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A newly proposed mandate for World Cup fans traveling to the United States to hand over their online profile details has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Submission for Visa Waiver Travelers

According to the proposal, visitors from dozens of nations—including 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. Until now, submitting this data was voluntary.

"These announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "The measure introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is supposed to represent and it must be rescinded immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Executive Order

The plan stems from an executive order issued by Donald Trump in early 2025 that aims "to guarantee that all aliens wishing to enter the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent feasible."

Official Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the United States," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the public safe."

The spokesperson further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we vet those entering the country, especially after the terrorist attack in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to gather additional information from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."