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A newly proposed requirement for World Cup fans traveling to the US to hand over personal social media account information has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Submission for ESTA Travelers

Under the plan, visitors from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to submit details about social media accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Previously, providing this data was optional.

"The US government's announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

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of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."

Roots in an Earlier Executive Order

The plan stems from an executive order signed by Donald Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."

Government Response and Justification

A representative for the border agency offered clarification on the matter. "This is not a change on this front for those coming to the country," the official stated. "This is not a final rule, it is merely the first step in initiating a process to have additional measures to protect the public safe."

The spokesperson added, "The department are constantly looking at how we vet those entering the country, especially after the recent incident in Washington DC. This new proposal is consistent with the earlier Executive Order to vet those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to gather further data from non-US citizens using the visa waiver programme."