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A newly proposed requirement for World Cup fans journeying to the United States to disclose their online profile details has been called "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Travelers

According to the proposal, visitors 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 past five years. Previously, providing this information was optional.

"The US government's proposed measures are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He continued, "This policy creates a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to embody and it must be rescinded at once."

Origins in an Previous Executive Order

The proposal follows an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."

Official Statement and Reasoning

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the issue. "This is not a change on this front for those coming to the United States," the spokesperson said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is simply the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to protect the public safe."

The spokesperson added, "We are continuously evaluating how we vet those entering the country, particularly after the terrorist attack in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the earlier Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to collect further data from non-US citizens using the visa waiver programme."