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A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup fans journeying to the United States to hand over personal online account information has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants

According to the proposal, visitors from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to submit details about social media accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Until now, providing this information was optional.

"These proposed measures are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "The measure introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to represent and it must be rescinded at once."

Roots in an Earlier Executive Order

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

Government Response and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency provided context on the matter. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is simply the first step in initiating a process to have additional measures to keep the public secure."

The representative added, "We are constantly looking at how we vet those coming into the country, especially after the terrorist incident in Washington DC. This new proposal is in line with the earlier Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to gather further data from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."