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A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup supporters journeying to the United States to disclose personal social media profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants

According to the proposal, tourists from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to submit information about social media accounts they have held in the past five years. Previously, submitting this data was optional.

"The US government's announced plans are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "The measure introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."

Origins in an Earlier Executive Order

The plan stems from an presidential directive issued by former President Trump in early 2025 that aims "to ensure that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Official Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency offered context on the matter. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling to the country," the official stated. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have additional measures to protect the public safe."

The representative further noted, "We are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, especially after the terrorist incident in Washington DC. This new proposal is in line with the January 2025 directive to vet those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to collect additional information from non-US citizens applying through the ESTA program."