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A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup fans traveling to the US to disclose their social media profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants

According to the proposal, visitors from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to provide details about social media accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Until now, submitting this information was voluntary.

"These announced plans are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He continued, "The measure creates a climate of fear of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is supposed to represent and it must be rescinded immediately."

Roots in an Previous Presidential Directive

The plan follows an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the United States are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."

Government Statement and Justification

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this front for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson said. "It is not a implemented policy, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have new policy options to protect the public secure."

The spokesperson further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the recent incident in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the earlier Executive Order to vet those who are entering this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to gather further data from non-US citizens using the visa waiver programme."