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A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup fans traveling to the US to disclose personal social media account information has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Travelers

Under the plan, tourists from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to submit details about online accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Previously, providing this data was voluntary.

"These announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He added, "The measure creates a climate of fear of monitoring that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The proposal follows an presidential directive signed by former President Trump in January that seeks "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the United States are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible."

Official Statement and Justification

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided context on the issue. "This is not a change on this front for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is merely the initial phase in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the public safe."

The representative further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those coming into the country, especially after the recent incident in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the January 2025 Executive Order to vet those who are entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to gather further data from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."