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A newly proposed requirement for soccer tournament supporters traveling to the United States to disclose personal online profile details has been called "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants

According to the proposal, 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 last five-year period. Until now, submitting this information was voluntary.

"The US government's announced plans are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He continued, "This policy introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."

Roots in an Previous Executive Order

The proposal follows an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in early 2025 that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree feasible."

Official Response and Reasoning

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the matter. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling to the United States," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is simply the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to protect the public secure."

The spokesperson added, "We are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, especially after the recent incident in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the January 2025 directive to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to gather additional information from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."