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A newly proposed requirement for World Cup supporters journeying to the United States to disclose personal online account information has been branded "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Disclosure for ESTA Travelers

Under the plan, visitors from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to provide information about online accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Until now, submitting this data was optional.

"These announced plans are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "The measure creates a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Executive Order

The plan stems from an executive order signed by Donald Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."

Official Statement and Justification

A representative for the border agency offered context on the matter. "This is not a change on this front for those coming to the country," the spokesperson said. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have additional measures to protect the American people secure."

The spokesperson added, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those coming into the country, especially after the terrorist incident in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the earlier directive to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to gather further data from foreign nationals using the ESTA program."