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A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament supporters traveling to the United States to disclose personal social media account information has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants

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

"These announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No supporter 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of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Executive Order

The plan stems from an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in early 2025 that aims "to ensure that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."

Government Response and Justification

A representative for the border agency provided clarification on the matter. "This is not a change on this subject for those coming to the United States," the official stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is merely the initial phase in starting a discussion to have new policy options to protect the public secure."

The spokesperson further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we vet those coming into the country, particularly after the terrorist attack in the capital. The measure is in line with the earlier Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to gather further data from non-US citizens applying through the ESTA program."