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A recently unveiled mandate for soccer tournament fans traveling to the US to hand over personal online account information has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants

Under the plan, tourists from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to submit details about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Previously, submitting this information was optional.

"The US government's proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," stated 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 enter a country."

He added, "The measure creates a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Roots in an Previous Executive Order

The plan stems from an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree feasible."

Official Statement and Reasoning

A representative for the border agency provided context on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this front for those traveling to the United States," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is merely the initial phase in initiating a process to have additional measures to protect the public safe."

The representative further noted, "The department are continuously evaluating how we vet those entering the country, particularly after the terrorist attack in Washington DC. The measure is consistent with the January 2025 Executive Order to vet those who are entering this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to gather further data from foreign nationals applying through the visa waiver programme."