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A newly proposed requirement for soccer tournament fans journeying to the United States to disclose personal social media profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Submission for Visa Waiver Travelers

According to the proposal, tourists from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to submit information about online accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Until now, providing this information was voluntary.

"The US government's announced plans are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "This policy introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."

Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive

The plan follows an executive order issued by former President Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree feasible."

Official Statement and Reasoning

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those coming to the United States," the official stated. "This is not a implemented policy, it is merely the first step in initiating a process to have additional measures to protect the public secure."

The representative further noted, "The department are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, especially after the recent attack in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the earlier Executive Order to vet those who are entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to collect additional information from foreign nationals using the ESTA program."