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A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament fans journeying to the US to hand over their social media account information has been called "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Disclosure for ESTA Applicants

According to the proposal, visitors from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to provide information about social media accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Previously, providing this data 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 supporter gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "This policy creates a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to represent and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Origins in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The proposal follows an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Government Response and Justification

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered context on the matter. "This is not a change on this subject for those coming to the country," the official stated. "This is not a implemented policy, it is merely the initial phase in initiating a process to have additional measures to protect the public secure."

The representative further noted, "The department are continuously evaluating how we screen those coming into the country, particularly after the terrorist attack in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the earlier directive to vet those who are entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to gather additional information from foreign nationals applying through the visa waiver programme."