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A newly proposed requirement for soccer tournament supporters journeying to the US to disclose their social media account information has been branded "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Submission for ESTA Applicants

According to the proposal, visitors from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to submit details about social media accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Previously, providing this information was voluntary.

"These announced plans are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He added, "This policy introduces a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to represent and it must be rescinded at once."

Origins in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The plan stems from an presidential directive issued by former President Trump in January that seeks "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent feasible."

Official Response and Justification

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 initiating a process to have new policy options to protect the American people secure."

The spokesperson added, "We are constantly looking at how we screen those coming into the country, particularly after the recent incident in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the earlier directive to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to collect further data from non-US citizens applying through the ESTA program."