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A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament supporters traveling to the United States to disclose personal online profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Submission for ESTA Travelers

According to the proposal, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to provide information about online accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Previously, providing this information was voluntary.

"These proposed measures are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He added, "This policy introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."

Roots in an Previous Presidential Directive

The plan follows an presidential directive signed by former President Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the US are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."

Official Response and Reasoning

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered context on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this front for those traveling to the United States," the official said. "This is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have additional measures to protect the American people secure."

The spokesperson further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those coming into the country, especially after the terrorist attack in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the earlier directive to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to gather further data from foreign nationals applying through the ESTA program."