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A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup supporters journeying to the United States to disclose their online account information has been called "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Disclosure for ESTA Travelers

According to the proposal, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to submit information about online accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Previously, 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 of privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "This policy creates a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is supposed to represent and it must be rescinded immediately."

Origins in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The plan follows an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in January that seeks "to ensure that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the US are vetted and screened to the maximum degree feasible."

Government Response and Reasoning

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this front for those traveling to the United States," the official said. "This is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have additional measures to protect the American people safe."

The spokesperson added, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, especially after the terrorist attack in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the earlier Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to gather further data from foreign nationals applying through the ESTA program."