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A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament supporters journeying to the US to disclose their online profile details has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Submission 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 obliged to provide details about social media accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Until now, providing this information was voluntary.

"The US government's proposed measures are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "The measure creates a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Roots in an Previous Executive Order

The plan follows an executive order signed by former President Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the maximum degree feasible."

Official Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided context on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this front for those traveling to the United States," the official stated. "This is not a implemented policy, it is merely the initial phase in initiating a process to have additional measures to keep the public secure."

The spokesperson further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the recent attack in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to gather further data from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."