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A newly proposed mandate for soccer tournament supporters traveling to the United States to hand over their social media profile details has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants

Under the plan, tourists 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 maintained in the last five-year period. Until now, providing this data was optional.

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

He continued, "This policy creates a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is meant to represent and it must be rescinded immediately."

Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive

The proposal stems from an executive order signed by Donald Trump in early 2025 that aims "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."

Government Statement and Justification

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided context on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the United States," the official said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is merely the initial phase in starting a discussion to have new policy options to protect the public safe."

The representative added, "The department are continuously evaluating how we vet those coming into the country, particularly after the recent attack in the capital. The measure is in line with the January 2025 directive to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to collect additional information from foreign nationals using the ESTA program."