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A newly proposed mandate for soccer tournament supporters journeying to the US to hand over personal social media account information has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Disclosure for ESTA Applicants

Under the plan, tourists from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to provide information about online accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Previously, providing this information was voluntary.

"These proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," said 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 continued, "The measure introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."

Origins in an Previous Executive Order

The proposal follows an executive order signed by Donald Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all aliens wishing to enter the US are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree feasible."

Official Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency offered context on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those traveling to the country," the official stated. "It is not a final rule, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have additional measures to keep the public secure."

The representative added, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, especially after the terrorist incident in Washington DC. This new proposal is consistent with the earlier Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to collect additional information from foreign nationals applying through the visa waiver programme."