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A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup supporters traveling to the United States to disclose their online account information has been branded "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Submission for ESTA Applicants

Under the plan, visitors from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to submit details about online accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Until now, submitting this information was optional.

"These announced plans are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "This policy introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to represent and it must be rescinded immediately."

Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive

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

Government Response and Reasoning

A representative for the border agency offered clarification on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the United States," the official stated. "This is not a final rule, it is simply the first step in initiating a process to have additional measures to protect the public secure."

The representative added, "The department are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the recent attack in Washington DC. This new proposal is consistent with the January 2025 Executive Order to vet those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to collect further data from non-US citizens applying through the ESTA program."