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A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament fans traveling to the US to disclose personal online profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Submission 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 details about social media accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Until now, providing this information was optional.

"The US government's proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

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monitoring that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is supposed to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."

Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive

The proposal follows an executive order issued by Donald Trump in early 2025 that aims "to guarantee that all aliens wishing to enter the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Official Statement and Justification

A representative for the border agency provided context on the matter. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is merely the initial phase in starting a discussion to have additional measures to protect the American people secure."

The spokesperson further noted, "We are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the terrorist incident in the capital. The measure is in line with the earlier Executive Order to vet those who are entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to gather further data from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."