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A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup supporters journeying to the US to hand over their online account information has been called "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants

Under the plan, visitors from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to provide information about social media accounts they have held in the past five years. Previously, providing this information was optional.

"These announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech 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 introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."

Origins in an Earlier Executive Order

The proposal follows an executive order signed by Donald Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."

Government Statement and Reasoning

A representative for the border agency offered context on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the country," the official stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is simply the first step in initiating a process to have new policy options to keep the American people safe."

The spokesperson added, "We are constantly looking at how we vet those coming into the country, especially after the terrorist attack in Washington DC. This new proposal is in line with the earlier Executive Order to vet those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to gather additional information from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."