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A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup supporters journeying to the United States to hand over their social media profile details has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants

According to the proposal, visitors from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to submit details about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Until now, submitting this information was voluntary.

"These proposed measures are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, head 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 cross a border."

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fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Roots in an Previous Executive Order

The proposal follows an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to ensure that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are vetted and screened to the maximum degree feasible."

Government Statement and Reasoning

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those coming to the country," the spokesperson stated. "This is not a implemented policy, it is merely the initial phase in starting a discussion to have new policy options to protect the American people safe."

The representative further noted, "We are constantly looking at how we screen those coming into the country, especially after the recent incident in Washington DC. The measure is in line with the earlier directive to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to gather additional information from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."