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A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup supporters traveling to the United States to hand over their online account information has been branded "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants

Under the plan, visitors from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to provide details about online accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Until now, submitting this data was voluntary.

"The US government's announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "This policy introduces a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to represent and it must be rescinded at once."

Roots in an Previous Presidential Directive

The proposal stems from an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to ensure that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree feasible."

Official Statement and Justification

A representative for the border agency provided context on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those coming to the United States," the spokesperson stated. "This is not a final rule, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to protect the public safe."

The representative further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we vet those coming into the country, especially after the recent attack in Washington DC. This new proposal is consistent with the earlier directive to vet those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to gather additional information from foreign nationals applying through the visa waiver programme."