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A newly proposed requirement for soccer tournament supporters journeying to the United States to disclose personal online profile details has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants

Under the plan, tourists from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to submit details about social media accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Previously, submitting this information was optional.

"The US government's proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "The measure introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Executive Order

The proposal stems from an presidential directive signed by former President Trump in January that seeks "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree feasible."

Government Response 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 United States," the spokesperson said. "It is not a final rule, it is merely the initial phase in starting a discussion to have new policy options to protect the public secure."

The representative added, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those coming into the country, especially after the recent incident in Washington DC. This new proposal is consistent with the earlier directive to vet those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to gather further data from foreign nationals applying through the visa waiver programme."