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A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament supporters journeying to the United States to disclose their social media account information has been called "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants

According to the proposal, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to submit information about social media accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Until now, providing this data was optional.

"These proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

He added, "The measure creates a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is supposed to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Origins in an Earlier Executive Order

The plan follows an executive order issued by former President Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the fullest extent possible."

Government Statement and Justification

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided clarification on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those coming to the United States," the spokesperson stated. "This is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have new policy options to keep the American people secure."

The spokesperson further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we vet those coming into the country, particularly after the terrorist incident in Washington DC. The measure is consistent with the earlier Executive Order to vet those who are entering this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to gather additional information from foreign nationals using the ESTA program."