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A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament fans traveling to the United States to disclose their online account information has been branded "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants

According to the proposal, visitors from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to provide information about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Until now, submitting this data was optional.

"These announced plans are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

He continued, "The measure introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is supposed to represent and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive

The proposal stems from an executive order signed by former President Trump in January that seeks "to ensure that all aliens seeking admission the United States are vetted and screened to the fullest extent possible."

Government Statement and Justification

A representative for the border agency provided clarification on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the American people secure."

The spokesperson added, "The department are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the terrorist attack in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the earlier directive to vet those who are entering this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to gather additional information from foreign nationals applying through the ESTA program."