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A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup supporters traveling to the US to disclose their online account information has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Travelers

Under the plan, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to provide details about online accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Until now, providing this data was optional.

"The US government's proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," stated 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 creates a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."

Origins in an Previous Executive Order

The proposal stems from an presidential directive issued by former President Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all aliens seeking admission the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Official Response and Reasoning

A spokesperson for the border agency provided context on the issue. "This is not a change on this front for those coming to the United States," the official stated. "This is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in starting a discussion to have additional measures to keep the American people secure."

The spokesperson further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we vet those entering the country, especially after the recent attack in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the January 2025 Executive Order to vet those who are entering this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to gather additional information from foreign nationals using the ESTA program."