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A newly proposed requirement for World Cup supporters traveling to the United States to disclose personal social media profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants

Under the plan, tourists from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to provide information about online accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Until now, submitting this data was voluntary.

"These proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "The measure creates a climate of fear of monitoring that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The proposal stems from an presidential directive signed by former President Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Government Statement and Justification

A representative for the border agency offered context on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this front for those traveling to the United States," the spokesperson said. "This is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in starting a discussion to have additional measures to protect the American people safe."

The spokesperson further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we vet those coming into the country, especially after the terrorist incident in Washington DC. The measure is in line with the January 2025 directive to vet those who are entering this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to gather additional information from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."