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A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup supporters journeying to the US to hand over their social media profile details has been called "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Disclosure for ESTA Travelers

Under the plan, tourists from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to provide details about online accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Previously, submitting this information was optional.

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

He added, "The measure introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is meant to represent and it must be rescinded at once."

Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive

The proposal stems from an executive order signed by former President Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all aliens wishing to enter the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Official Response and Reasoning

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the United States," the official said. "It is not a final rule, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the public safe."

The representative added, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those coming into the country, especially after the terrorist attack in the capital. The measure is in line with the earlier Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to gather additional information from non-US citizens applying through the ESTA program."