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A newly proposed mandate for soccer tournament fans journeying to the US to disclose their online account information has been branded "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants

Under the plan, 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 data was optional.

"The US government's proposed measures are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "This policy creates a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to represent and it must be rescinded immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The plan follows an executive order issued by former President Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent feasible."

Government Response and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency provided clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the first step in starting a discussion to have additional measures to protect the public secure."

The representative added, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, especially after the recent attack in Washington DC. This new proposal is in line with the earlier Executive Order to vet those who are entering this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to gather additional information from non-US citizens applying through the ESTA program."