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A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup fans journeying to the United States to disclose personal social media account information has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Submission for ESTA Applicants

Under the plan, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to submit details about online accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Until now, submitting this information was voluntary.

"These proposed measures are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

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of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The plan stems from an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible."

Government Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the country," the official stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is merely the initial phase in starting a discussion to have additional measures to protect the public safe."

The spokesperson added, "We are constantly looking at how we screen those coming into the country, especially after the terrorist incident in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the earlier Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to gather further data from foreign nationals applying through the ESTA program."