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A newly proposed requirement for World Cup fans traveling to the United States to hand over personal online account information has been branded "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants

According to the proposal, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to provide details about online accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Previously, providing this information was optional.

"These announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

He continued, "The measure creates a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is supposed to represent and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Origins in an Earlier Executive Order

The plan stems from an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in January that seeks "to ensure that all aliens seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the fullest extent possible."

Government Statement and Reasoning

A spokesperson for the border agency provided clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the country," the official stated. "This is not a final rule, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the American people secure."

The representative added, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, especially after the recent attack in the capital. The measure is in line with the January 2025 directive to vet those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to gather additional information from foreign nationals using the visa waiver programme."