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A newly proposed mandate for soccer tournament fans traveling to the US to disclose their online profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Disclosure for ESTA Travelers

Under the plan, visitors from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to submit information about online accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Previously, providing this data was voluntary.

"These announced plans are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "The measure creates a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be rescinded at once."

Roots in an Previous Presidential Directive

The plan follows an executive order signed by former President Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Government Statement and Reasoning

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided context on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the United States," the spokesperson said. "It is not a implemented policy, it is simply the first step in initiating a process to have additional measures to protect the public safe."

The representative further noted, "We are constantly looking at how we vet those entering the country, particularly after the recent attack in Washington DC. This new proposal is in line with the earlier Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals applying through the visa waiver programme."