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A newly proposed requirement for World Cup fans traveling to the US to disclose personal online account information has been branded "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Submission for Visa Waiver Travelers

Under the plan, visitors from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to submit information about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Until now, providing this data was voluntary.

"The US government's announced plans are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "This policy creates a climate of fear of monitoring that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is supposed to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."

Origins in an Previous Executive Order

The plan follows an executive order signed by Donald Trump in January that seeks "to ensure that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."

Government Statement and Reasoning

A representative for the border agency offered clarification on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this front for those traveling to the United States," the spokesperson said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is merely the first step in initiating a process to have new policy options to keep the American people secure."

The representative further noted, "We are constantly looking at how we vet those coming into the country, particularly after the recent attack in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to collect further data from non-US citizens using the visa waiver programme."