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A newly proposed requirement for soccer tournament fans journeying to the US to hand over their online account information has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants

According to the proposal, tourists from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to submit information about online accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Until now, submitting this data was optional.

"These announced plans are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "The measure creates a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."

Origins in an Earlier Executive Order

The plan stems from an executive order signed by Donald Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible."

Official Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered context on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those coming to the United States," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is simply the first step in starting a discussion to have additional measures to keep the American people safe."

The representative further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the recent attack in the capital. The measure is consistent with the earlier Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to gather further data from foreign nationals applying through the ESTA program."