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A newly proposed mandate for World Cup supporters traveling to the US to disclose personal online account information has been branded "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Disclosure for ESTA Travelers

Under the plan, visitors from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to submit details about social media accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Until now, submitting this information was optional.

"The US government's proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," said 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 enter a country."

He continued, "This policy introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is meant to represent and it must be rescinded at once."

Roots in an Previous Presidential Directive

The proposal follows an executive order signed by former President Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all aliens seeking admission the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Official Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency provided context on the issue. "This is not a change on this front for those coming to the country," the spokesperson stated. "This is not a final rule, it is simply the first step in initiating a process to have new policy options to protect the American people safe."

The representative further noted, "We are constantly looking at how we screen those coming into the country, especially after the recent attack in Washington DC. This new proposal is consistent with the earlier directive to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals using the ESTA program."