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A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup fans journeying to the United States to hand over personal online account information has been called "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Submission for Visa Waiver Travelers

Under the plan, visitors from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to provide information about social media accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Until now, providing this information was optional.

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

He added, "The measure introduces a climate of fear of monitoring that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is supposed to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The plan stems from an executive order signed by former President Trump in early 2025 that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent feasible."

Official Statement and Justification

A representative for the border agency offered clarification on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this front for those traveling to the United States," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is merely the first step in initiating a process to have additional measures to protect the public safe."

The spokesperson further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the recent incident in Washington DC. The measure is consistent with the January 2025 directive to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals applying through the ESTA program."