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A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament fans traveling to the United States to hand over their social media account information has been branded "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Submission for ESTA Applicants

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

"These proposed measures are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "The measure creates a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Origins in an Previous Executive Order

The plan stems from an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Official Response and Justification

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered context on the matter. "This is not a change on this subject for those coming to the country," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is simply the initial phase in starting a discussion to have additional measures to protect the public safe."

The spokesperson further noted, "The department are continuously evaluating how we screen those coming into the country, especially after the terrorist incident in Washington DC. This new proposal is consistent with the earlier directive to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to collect further data from non-US citizens using the visa waiver programme."