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A newly proposed mandate for World Cup supporters traveling to the United States to hand over their social media account information has been called "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Travelers

Under the plan, tourists from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to submit information about social media accounts they have held in the past five years. Until now, providing this information was optional.

"The US government's announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

He continued, "This policy introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Origins in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The proposal follows an presidential directive issued by former President Trump in early 2025 that aims "to ensure that all foreign nationals seeking admission the United States are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."

Government Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency offered 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 simply the initial phase in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the American people safe."

The representative added, "The department are constantly looking at how we vet those coming into the country, particularly after the recent attack in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the January 2025 directive to vet those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to gather further data from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."