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A newly proposed mandate for soccer tournament fans traveling to the US to hand over their social media account information has been branded "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants

According to the proposal, tourists from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to submit information about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Previously, providing this information was optional.

"These proposed measures 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 gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "The measure creates a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Origins in an Previous Executive Order

The proposal follows an executive order signed by former President Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."

Official Response and Reasoning

A representative for the border agency offered clarification on the matter. "This is not a change on this front for those traveling to the country," the official said. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the first step in starting a discussion to have additional measures to protect the American people safe."

The representative added, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those coming into 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 further data from foreign nationals applying through the visa waiver programme."