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A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup fans traveling to the United States to disclose personal social media account information has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Submission for Visa Waiver Travelers

According to the proposal, visitors from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to submit information about online accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Until now, providing this data was optional.

"The US government's announced plans are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He continued, "This policy introduces a climate of fear of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is meant to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive

The proposal stems from an executive order issued by former President Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent feasible."

Official Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency provided clarification on the issue. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling to the United States," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is simply the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the public safe."

The spokesperson further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the recent incident in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the January 2025 directive to vet those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals applying through the visa waiver programme."