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A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup fans traveling to the United States to disclose their social media account information has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Disclosure 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 required to submit details about social media accounts they have held in the past five years. Until now, submitting this information was voluntary.

"The US government's proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," stated 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 cross a border."

He continued, "The measure introduces a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive

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

Official Statement and Reasoning

A spokesperson for the border agency provided clarification on the issue. "This is not a change on this front for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a final rule, it is merely the first step in initiating a process to have additional measures to protect the American people secure."

The representative further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, especially after the terrorist attack in Washington DC. The measure is in line with the earlier directive to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to collect further data from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."