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A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup fans journeying to the US to disclose their social media account information has been called "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants

According to the proposal, visitors from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to provide details about online accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Previously, submitting this information was voluntary.

"The US government's proposed measures are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

He continued, "This policy creates a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to represent and it must be rescinded at once."

Roots in an Previous Presidential Directive

The proposal follows an executive order issued by Donald Trump in January that seeks "to ensure that all aliens seeking admission the United States are vetted and screened to the maximum degree feasible."

Government Response and Reasoning

A representative for the border agency offered clarification on the matter. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling to the United States," the spokesperson stated. "This is not a implemented policy, it is merely the initial phase in starting a discussion to have additional measures to keep the public secure."

The representative further noted, "We are constantly looking at how we vet those entering the country, particularly after the recent incident in Washington DC. This new proposal is consistent with the January 2025 Executive Order to vet those who are coming into this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to gather further data from foreign nationals applying through the ESTA program."