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A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup supporters journeying to the US to disclose personal online account information has been branded "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Disclosure for ESTA Travelers

According to the proposal, visitors from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to provide information about social media accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Until now, submitting this data was optional.

"The US government's announced plans are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, executive director 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 climate of fear of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to represent and it must be rescinded immediately."

Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive

The proposal stems from an presidential directive signed by former President Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Government Statement and Reasoning

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered context on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this front for those traveling to the United States," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is simply the initial phase in starting a discussion to have additional measures to protect the public secure."

The spokesperson further noted, "We are constantly looking at how we screen those coming into the country, especially after the recent attack in Washington DC. The measure is in line with the earlier Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to gather further data from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."