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A newly proposed requirement for World Cup fans journeying to the United States to disclose their social media account information has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Disclosure for ESTA Applicants

According to the proposal, visitors from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to submit information about social media accounts they have held in the past five years. Previously, providing this data was optional.

"These announced plans are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

He added, "This policy introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The plan stems from an executive order issued by Donald Trump in January that seeks "to ensure that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent feasible."

Government Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency offered clarification on the issue. "This is not a change on this front for those coming to the country," the official stated. "It is not a final rule, it is merely the initial phase in starting a discussion to have new policy options to protect the American people secure."

The spokesperson added, "We are constantly looking at how we vet those coming into the country, especially after the terrorist incident in the capital. The measure is consistent with the earlier Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to gather additional information from foreign nationals applying through the ESTA program."