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A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup fans journeying to the US to hand over personal social media account information has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Disclosure for ESTA Travelers

Under the plan, tourists from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to provide details about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Previously, providing this data was optional.

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

He continued, "This policy creates a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is supposed to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Origins in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The proposal follows an executive order signed by Donald Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."

Government Statement and Reasoning

A spokesperson for the border agency offered context on the matter. "This is not a change on this front for those coming to the country," the spokesperson stated. "This is not a implemented policy, it is merely the initial phase in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the American people secure."

The representative further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we vet those coming into the country, particularly after the recent incident in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the earlier Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to collect further data from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."