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A newly proposed mandate for World Cup fans journeying to the United States to hand over personal online profile details has been called "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Submission for ESTA Travelers

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

"The US government's proposed measures are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression 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 climate of fear of monitoring that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to represent and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Roots in an Previous Executive Order

The proposal stems from an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the US are vetted and screened to the fullest extent possible."

Official Statement and Reasoning

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered context on the matter. "This is not a change on this front for those coming to the country," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is merely the initial phase in starting a discussion to have additional measures to keep the public safe."

The spokesperson added, "We are constantly looking at how we screen those coming into the country, especially after the terrorist attack in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the earlier directive to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to collect additional information from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."