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A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament supporters journeying to the US to disclose personal online profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Disclosure for ESTA Applicants

According to the proposal, visitors from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to provide details about online accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Until now, submitting this data was voluntary.

"The US government's proposed measures are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "The measure creates a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Origins in an Earlier Executive Order

The proposal follows an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the US are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."

Government Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency provided context on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the country," the spokesperson said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is simply the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to protect the public secure."

The spokesperson further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we vet those coming into the country, particularly after the terrorist attack in the capital. The measure is in line with the earlier directive to vet those who are coming into this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to gather further data from non-US citizens using the visa waiver programme."