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A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup supporters journeying to the US to hand over personal online profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Disclosure for ESTA Applicants

Under the plan, tourists from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to submit details about social media accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Until now, 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 to privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He added, "The measure introduces a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."

Origins in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The proposal follows an presidential directive issued by former President Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the US are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible."

Government Response and Reasoning

A spokesperson for the border agency offered context on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson said. "It is not a implemented policy, it is merely the first step in initiating a process to have additional measures to protect the American people safe."

The spokesperson added, "The department are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the recent attack in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the earlier Executive Order to vet those who are coming into this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to gather additional information from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."