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A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament supporters journeying to the United States to hand over their social media account information has been branded "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Submission for Visa Waiver Travelers

According to the proposal, visitors from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to provide information about online accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Previously, submitting this information was optional.

"These proposed measures are deeply concerning," said 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 cross a border."

He added, "This policy creates a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is supposed to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Origins 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 aliens wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent feasible."

Official Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered context on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this front for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson 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 American people secure."

The spokesperson added, "The department are constantly looking at how we vet those coming into the country, particularly after the terrorist attack in Washington DC. The measure is consistent with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to gather additional information from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."