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A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup fans journeying to the US to hand over personal social media account information has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants

According to the proposal, visitors from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to provide details about online accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Until now, submitting this information 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 of privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "The measure introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to embody and it must be rescinded at once."

Roots in an Previous Presidential Directive

The proposal stems from an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in January that seeks "to ensure that all foreign nationals seeking admission the United States are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree feasible."

Government Response and Justification

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered context on the matter. "This is not a change on this front for those coming to the United States," the spokesperson said. "It is not a implemented policy, it is simply the first step in initiating a process to have additional measures to keep the public secure."

The representative added, "We are constantly looking at how we vet those coming into the country, especially after the recent incident in the capital. This new proposal is consistent 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 ESTA program."