The EU might “act quickly and firmly” against what it calls “unjustified” travel bans imposed by the US on five European individuals involved in combating online hate and disinformation, an EU official has said.
European Leaders Decry US Move as ‘Coercion’
Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the visa restrictions targeted figures who have been central to campaigns to introduce laws governing US-based technology firms.
“For far too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to coerce American platforms to suppress US perspectives they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “This government will not stand for such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”
Widespread Condemnation Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported France in criticizing the decision.
The bans were imposed this week against an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s digital governance law, as well as four anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
The DSA is viewed by US officials as a form of censorship, while EU authorities argue the regulations are essential to combat inflammatory language and falsehoods.
This row risks becoming part of a much broader ongoing cultural and political conflict involving the current US administration and European institutions.
Additional Updates in the News
In other legal news:
- A US district judge has blocked efforts to reduce security grants to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The official stated the case was “a further instance” of linking federal aid to adherence to directives.
- Approval was given for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans prior to the new year, coinciding with an active immigration enforcement operation.
- The nation of Palau has agreed to take in dozens of individuals from the US in return for increased assistance, following signing a formal agreement with US authorities.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit seeking the stripping of the current president’s name from a prominent performing arts center in Washington DC.
Experts have also noted that comments regarding Venezuelan oil align with a broader belief in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy actions.
