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A newly proposed mandate for soccer tournament supporters traveling to the US to disclose their social media profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants

Under the plan, visitors from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to submit information about social media accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Until now, submitting this information was voluntary.

"The US government's proposed measures are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He added, "This policy introduces a climate of fear of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."

Roots in an Previous Presidential Directive

The plan follows an executive order signed by Donald Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the US are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."

Government Response and Reasoning

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the country," the official stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to protect the public secure."

The representative added, "We are continuously evaluating how we vet those entering the country, particularly after the terrorist incident in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the January 2025 Executive Order to vet those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to collect additional information from non-US citizens using the visa waiver programme."