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A recently unveiled mandate for soccer tournament fans journeying to the United States to disclose their online account information has been branded "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants

Under the plan, visitors from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to submit information about social media accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Previously, submitting this data was optional.

"These proposed measures are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He continued, "This policy creates a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."

Roots in an Previous Executive Order

The proposal stems from an executive order signed by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the United States are vetted and screened to the maximum degree feasible."

Official Response and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency provided clarification on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those traveling to the country," the official said. "It is not a final rule, it is merely the initial phase in initiating a process to have new policy options to keep the public safe."

The representative added, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, especially after the terrorist attack in the capital. The measure is consistent with the January 2025 Executive Order to vet those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to gather additional information from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."