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A newly proposed mandate for World Cup fans journeying to the US to disclose their online account information has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory 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 submit details about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Previously, submitting this data was optional.

"These proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "The measure creates a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Executive Order

The proposal stems from an executive order signed by Donald Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible."

Official Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency offered clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson said. "It is not a final rule, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have additional measures to keep the American people secure."

The spokesperson added, "We are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the terrorist attack in Washington DC. This new proposal is consistent with the January 2025 directive 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 applying through the visa waiver programme."