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A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament supporters traveling to the United States to disclose personal social media profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Travelers

According to the proposal, tourists from 42 countries—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 deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "This policy creates a climate of fear of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is supposed to represent and it must be rescinded at once."

Origins in an Previous Executive Order

The plan follows an presidential directive issued by former President Trump in January that seeks "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the US are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."

Government Response and Justification

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the matter. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling to the United States," the official stated. "This is not a final rule, it is merely the first step in initiating a process to have additional measures to keep the American people safe."

The spokesperson added, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the terrorist incident in the capital. The measure is in line 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 foreign nationals applying through the visa waiver programme."