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A recently unveiled mandate for soccer tournament supporters journeying to the United States to disclose their online account information has been branded "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Submission for Visa Waiver Travelers

Under the plan, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to submit details about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Until now, providing this information was voluntary.

"The US government's announced plans are deeply concerning," said 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 cross a border."

He added, "The measure introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Origins in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The proposal follows an executive order issued by Donald Trump in January that seeks "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent feasible."

Official Response and Reasoning

A spokesperson for the border agency offered clarification on the issue. "This is not a change on this subject for those coming to the United States," the official stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is merely the initial phase in starting a discussion to have additional measures to keep the American people secure."

The spokesperson further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we vet those coming into the country, particularly 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 the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to collect additional information from foreign nationals applying through the ESTA program."