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A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup supporters traveling to the US to hand over personal social media account information has been called "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants

Under the plan, visitors from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to provide information about online accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Previously, providing this information was optional.

"The US government's proposed measures are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

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of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is supposed to represent and it must be rescinded immediately."

Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive

The proposal follows an executive order issued by Donald Trump in January that seeks "to guarantee that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the US are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."

Government Response and Justification

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this front for those traveling to the United States," the official said. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the first step in starting a discussion to have additional measures to keep the public secure."

The spokesperson added, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those coming into the country, particularly after the terrorist incident in Washington DC. The measure is consistent with the earlier directive to vet those who are entering this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to collect additional information from foreign nationals applying through the visa waiver programme."