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A recently unveiled mandate for soccer tournament fans traveling to the United States to disclose their online account information has been called "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Disclosure for ESTA Travelers

According to the proposal, visitors from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to submit information about online accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Until now, providing this information was optional.

"These proposed measures are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He continued, "This policy creates a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The proposal stems from an presidential directive issued by former President Trump in January that seeks "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 US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the matter. "This is not a change on this front for those traveling to the United States," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have additional measures to protect the public safe."

The spokesperson further noted, "The department are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the recent incident in Washington DC. This new proposal is in line with the January 2025 directive to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to collect further data from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."