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A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup fans traveling to the US to disclose their online account information has been branded "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants

According to the proposal, visitors from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to provide details about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Previously, providing this data was voluntary.

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

He added, "This policy introduces a climate of fear of monitoring that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Executive Order

The proposal stems from an executive order signed by former President Trump in early 2025 that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the United States are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."

Official Response and Reasoning

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the United States," the official said. "It is not a implemented policy, it is simply the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the American people safe."

The representative added, "The department are constantly looking at how we vet those entering the country, particularly after the terrorist incident in Washington DC. This new proposal is in line with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to collect further data from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."