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A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament fans traveling to the US to hand over their online account information has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Travelers

According to the proposal, visitors from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to submit details about online accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Previously, submitting this information was optional.

"These announced plans are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "The measure introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."

Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive

The proposal stems from an presidential directive signed by former President Trump in January that seeks "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the fullest extent possible."

Official Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered context on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those coming to the United States," the official stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the American people safe."

The spokesperson further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the recent incident in Washington DC. The measure is consistent with the January 2025 directive to vet those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to collect additional information from foreign nationals using the ESTA program."