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A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup fans traveling to the US to disclose their online profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants

Under the plan, tourists 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 maintained in the past five years. Until now, providing this data was optional.

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

He continued, "This policy introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to represent and it must be rescinded immediately."

Roots in an Previous Presidential Directive

The plan stems from an presidential directive issued by former President Trump in January that seeks "to ensure that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."

Official Statement and Justification

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those traveling to the United States," the official stated. "This is not a implemented policy, it is simply the first step in initiating a process to have new policy options to keep the public safe."

The spokesperson added, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those coming into the country, particularly after the recent attack in Washington DC. The measure is in line with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to collect additional information from foreign nationals applying through the ESTA program."