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A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament supporters journeying to the United States to disclose their online account information has been branded "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Travelers

According to the proposal, tourists from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to submit details about online accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Previously, providing this data was voluntary.

"These announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, executive director 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, "The measure creates a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be rescinded at once."

Origins in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The plan follows an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to ensure that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the US are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."

Official Statement and Reasoning

A spokesperson 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 spokesperson said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is merely the first step in initiating a process to have additional measures to keep the public secure."

The spokesperson added, "We are continuously evaluating how we vet those coming into the country, particularly after the recent incident in the capital. The measure is in line with the earlier directive to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to collect additional information from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."