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A newly proposed mandate for soccer tournament fans journeying to the US to disclose personal social media profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants

According to the proposal, visitors from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to provide details about online accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Previously, providing this data was optional.

"These proposed measures are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He continued, "The measure introduces a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to represent and it must be rescinded immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The plan follows an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in January that seeks "to ensure that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."

Government Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency offered context on the issue. "This is not a change on this front for those traveling to the United States," the spokesperson said. "It is not a implemented policy, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have additional measures to keep the American people safe."

The representative further noted, "The department are continuously evaluating how we vet those entering 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 further data from non-US citizens applying through the ESTA program."