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A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup supporters journeying to the United States to hand over their social media profile details has been called "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants

Under the plan, visitors from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to submit information about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Until now, submitting this data was optional.

"These proposed measures are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

He continued, "The measure creates a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."

Roots in an Previous Executive Order

The proposal stems from an executive order signed by Donald Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree feasible."

Official Response and Justification

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided context on the matter. "This is not a change on this front for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the first step in initiating a process to have additional measures to protect the American people secure."

The representative further noted, "The department are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, particularly 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 ESTA by allowing CBP to collect further data from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."