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A newly proposed requirement for soccer tournament supporters journeying to the US to disclose their social media account information has been called "deeply troubling."

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 provide details about social media accounts they have held in the past five years. Previously, providing this data was optional.

"These 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, "This policy creates a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be rescinded at once."

Origins in an Earlier Executive Order

The plan follows an executive order issued by former President Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the United States are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."

Official Statement and Justification

A representative for the border agency provided clarification on the issue. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling to the United States," the official said. "This is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in starting a discussion to have additional measures to protect the American people safe."

The spokesperson further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we vet those coming into the country, especially after the recent incident in the capital. The measure is consistent with the earlier directive to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals using the ESTA program."