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A newly proposed mandate for soccer tournament supporters traveling to the US to disclose their social media account information has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Submission for Visa Waiver Travelers

According to the proposal, visitors from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to submit details about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Until now, submitting this information 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 to privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He continued, "The measure creates a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be rescinded at once."

Roots in an Previous Presidential Directive

The plan follows an presidential directive issued by former President Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to ensure that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."

Official Response and Reasoning

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the matter. "This is not a change on this front for those coming to the country," the spokesperson stated. "This is not a implemented policy, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have additional measures to keep the public safe."

The representative added, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, especially after the terrorist attack in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the January 2025 Executive Order to vet those who are entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals applying through the visa waiver programme."