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A newly proposed requirement for World Cup fans journeying to the US to disclose their social media account information has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Submission for Visa Waiver Travelers

Under the plan, visitors from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to submit details about social media accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Until now, submitting this information was voluntary.

"The US government's proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "This policy introduces a climate of fear of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The plan follows an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to ensure that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the US are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."

Government Statement and Reasoning

A representative for the border agency offered clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those coming to the United States," the spokesperson said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is merely the initial phase in initiating a process to have new policy options to protect the American people secure."

The representative added, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those coming into the country, especially after the terrorist attack in the capital. The measure is in line with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to collect additional information from foreign nationals applying through the ESTA program."