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A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup fans traveling to the United States to disclose personal social media profile details has been called "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Submission for ESTA Travelers

Under the plan, visitors from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to provide details about social media accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Previously, providing this information was voluntary.

"The US government's announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "The measure introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is supposed to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."

Origins in an Previous Executive Order

The proposal stems from an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent feasible."

Official Response and Justification

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided context on the issue. "This is not a change on this subject for those coming to the country," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have additional measures to protect the American people safe."

The representative added, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those coming into the country, particularly after the terrorist attack in Washington DC. This new proposal is consistent with the earlier Executive Order to vet those who are entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to collect further data from non-US citizens using the visa waiver programme."