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A newly proposed requirement for soccer tournament fans journeying to the US to hand over their online profile details has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants

Under the plan, tourists from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to submit information about social media accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Until now, providing this data was optional.

"The US government's announced plans are deeply concerning," 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, "This policy creates a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is supposed to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."

Roots in an Earlier Executive Order

The plan follows an presidential directive signed by former President Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the US are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."

Government Response and Justification

A representative for the border agency provided clarification on the matter. "This is not a change on this subject for those coming to the United States," the official said. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to protect the public safe."

The spokesperson added, "The department are constantly looking at how we vet those coming into the country, especially after the terrorist incident in Washington DC. The measure is consistent with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals using the visa waiver programme."