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A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup fans journeying to the United States to hand over personal social media profile details has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Submission for ESTA Travelers

Under the plan, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to submit details about online accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Previously, submitting this information was voluntary.

"These announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "The measure introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."

Roots in an Previous Executive Order

The plan stems from an presidential directive issued by former President Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent feasible."

Official Statement and Reasoning

A representative for the border agency provided clarification on the issue. "This is not a change on this front for those traveling to the country," the official said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is merely the first step in initiating a process to have additional measures to protect the public safe."

The spokesperson added, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those coming into the country, especially after the recent attack in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the earlier directive to vet those who are entering this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to collect further data from non-US citizens applying through the ESTA program."