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A newly proposed mandate for World Cup supporters journeying to the United States to hand over their online profile details has been called "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants

According to the proposal, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to submit details about social media accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Previously, providing this data was voluntary.

"The US government's announced plans are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "The measure introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Origins in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The plan stems from an executive order issued by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to guarantee that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Government Response and Reasoning

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered context on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this front for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson stated. "This is not a final rule, it is merely the initial phase in starting a discussion to have new policy options to protect the public secure."

The representative further noted, "The department are continuously evaluating how we vet those coming into the country, particularly 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 ESTA by allowing CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals using the visa waiver programme."