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A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup supporters traveling to the US to hand over their online profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Submission for ESTA Applicants

Under the plan, tourists from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to provide information about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Previously, submitting this information was optional.

"These announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "The measure creates a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be rescinded at once."

Origins in an Earlier Executive Order

The plan stems from an presidential directive signed by former President Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."

Official Response and Reasoning

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the issue. "This is not a change on this subject for those coming to the country," the spokesperson said. "This is not a final rule, it is merely the initial phase in initiating a process to have new policy options to keep the American people secure."

The representative further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the terrorist attack in the capital. The measure is in line with the earlier Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to collect additional information from foreign nationals applying through the visa waiver programme."