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A newly proposed requirement for soccer tournament supporters journeying to the United States to hand over their online profile details has been called "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants

Under the plan, visitors from dozens of nations—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. Until now, submitting this data was voluntary.

"The US government's announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

He added, "This policy introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is supposed to represent and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The proposal stems from an executive order signed by former President Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to ensure that all aliens seeking admission the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent feasible."

Government Response and Justification

A representative for the border agency provided context on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those coming to the country," the official said. "This is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in starting a discussion to have additional measures to protect the public safe."

The spokesperson added, "We are constantly looking at how we vet those entering the country, particularly after the terrorist attack in Washington DC. This new proposal is in line with the earlier Executive Order to vet those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to collect additional information from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."