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A recently unveiled mandate for soccer tournament supporters journeying to the US to disclose their social media profile details has been called "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants

Under the plan, tourists from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to provide details about social media accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Previously, providing this information was optional.

"The US government's proposed measures are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "The measure introduces a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Roots in an Previous Executive Order

The proposal follows an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to ensure that all aliens wishing to enter the US are vetted and screened to the fullest extent possible."

Government Response and Justification

A representative for the border agency offered context on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the country," the spokesperson said. "It is not a implemented policy, it is merely the initial phase in starting a discussion to have additional measures to keep the public secure."

The representative added, "We are continuously evaluating how we vet those entering the country, particularly after the recent incident in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the earlier directive to vet those who are coming into this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to gather further data from foreign nationals applying through the visa waiver programme."