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A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup fans traveling to the United States to hand over their online profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Disclosure for ESTA Travelers

According to the proposal, visitors from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to provide details about social media accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Previously, submitting this information was optional.

"The US government's announced plans are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

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surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is supposed to embody and it must be rescinded at once."

Roots in an Earlier Executive Order

The proposal follows an presidential directive signed by former President Trump in January that seeks "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."

Official Response and Justification

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the United States," 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 keep the public safe."

The spokesperson added, "The department are constantly looking at how we vet those entering the country, particularly after the terrorist incident in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the earlier Executive Order to vet those who are coming into this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to gather further data from foreign nationals applying through the visa waiver programme."