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A recently unveiled mandate for soccer tournament fans journeying to the United States to disclose personal online account information has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants

According to the proposal, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to submit details about online accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Previously, providing this data was optional.

"These 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 surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

He added, "The measure introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Roots in an Previous Presidential Directive

The proposal follows an executive order issued by Donald Trump in January that seeks "to ensure that all aliens wishing to enter the US are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible."

Government Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency offered clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those coming to the country," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a final rule, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to protect the public secure."

The spokesperson further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we vet those entering the country, especially after the terrorist attack in the capital. The measure is consistent with the earlier directive to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals applying through the ESTA program."