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A newly proposed mandate for World Cup fans traveling to the US to hand over personal online profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Travelers

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

"These announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," 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, "This policy introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Executive Order

The proposal follows an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all aliens seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible."

Government Response and Reasoning

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the matter. "This is not a change on this subject for those coming to the country," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have new policy options to protect the American people secure."

The spokesperson added, "The department are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the recent attack in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the earlier directive to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to gather additional information from foreign nationals using the ESTA program."