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A newly proposed requirement for soccer tournament fans traveling to the United States to hand over their social media account information has been branded "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants

Under the plan, visitors from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to submit information about social media accounts they have held in the past five years. Until now, providing this data was optional.

"The US government's proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "The measure creates a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is supposed to represent and it must be rescinded immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The proposal stems from an presidential directive signed by former President Trump in early 2025 that aims "to ensure that all aliens wishing to enter the US are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."

Government Response and Reasoning

A representative for the border agency offered clarification on the matter. "This is not a change on this subject for those coming to the United States," the spokesperson stated. "This is not a final rule, it is merely the first step 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. The measure is in line with the earlier Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to collect additional information from foreign nationals applying through the ESTA program."