🔗 Share this article

A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup supporters journeying to the United States to hand over personal social media account information has been called "deeply troubling."

Mandatory 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 held in the past five years. Until now, submitting this information was voluntary.

"The US government's announced plans are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No supporter 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surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be rescinded at once."

Origins in an Previous Executive Order

The proposal stems from an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the fullest extent possible."

Official Statement and Justification

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided clarification on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those traveling to the country," the official said. "It is not a implemented policy, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to protect the American people safe."

The representative further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the recent attack in Washington DC. This new proposal is consistent with the earlier Executive Order to vet those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to gather further data from foreign nationals applying through the visa waiver programme."