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A newly proposed mandate for soccer tournament fans journeying to the United States to disclose their online account information has been called "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Disclosure for ESTA Travelers

According to the proposal, visitors from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to submit information about online accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Previously, providing 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 universal human rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "The measure creates a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is supposed to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."

Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The plan stems from an executive order signed by former President Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to guarantee that all aliens wishing to enter the US are vetted and screened to the maximum degree feasible."

Government Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency provided clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those coming to the country," the official stated. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have new policy options to keep the public secure."

The spokesperson added, "The department are continuously evaluating how we vet those coming into the country, particularly after the terrorist attack in the capital. The measure is in line with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to gather further data from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."