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A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup fans traveling to the US to hand over personal online account information has been branded "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Disclosure for ESTA Applicants

Under the plan, tourists from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to submit details about online accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Previously, submitting this data was voluntary.

"The US government's announced plans are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

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surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is supposed to embody and it must be rescinded at once."

Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The proposal follows an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all aliens seeking admission the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Official Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered context on the issue. "This is not a change on this front for those coming to the United States," the spokesperson stated. "This is not a implemented policy, it is simply the first step in initiating a process to have additional measures to keep the American people secure."

The representative added, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the recent incident in Washington DC. The measure is in line with the earlier Executive Order to vet those who are entering this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals using the visa waiver programme."