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A newly proposed requirement for soccer tournament fans journeying to the United States to disclose personal social media account information has been branded "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants

According to the proposal, tourists 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 past five years. Until now, providing this information was optional.

"These proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "This policy introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to represent and it must be rescinded immediately."

Origins in an Previous Executive Order

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

Official Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency provided context on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the United States," the spokesperson said. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the first step in starting a discussion to have additional measures to protect the public secure."

The representative further noted, "The department are continuously evaluating how we vet those coming into the country, especially after the terrorist incident in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the earlier directive to vet those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to gather further data from foreign nationals using the ESTA program."