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A recently unveiled mandate for soccer tournament fans journeying to the US to hand over personal online account information has been branded "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants

Under the plan, tourists from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to provide information about online accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Until now, providing this data was voluntary.

"These proposed measures are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He added, "This policy introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The plan stems from an executive order issued by former President Trump in January that seeks "to guarantee that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."

Government Response and Justification

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the issue. "This is not a change on this front for those traveling to the country," the official said. "This is not a final rule, it is merely the first step in initiating a process to have additional measures to keep the public secure."

The representative added, "The department are continuously evaluating how we vet those entering the country, particularly after the recent attack in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the earlier Executive Order to vet those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to collect additional information from foreign nationals using the ESTA program."