The EU could “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it deems “unwarranted” visa bans imposed by the US against five Europeans involved in fighting digital hatred and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated.
EU Officials Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe including the French president accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the visa restrictions were placed on individuals that were central to campaigns to enact legislation governing American tech companies.
“For too long, European activists have led organised efforts to coerce American platforms to suppress US perspectives they disagree with,” stated the US secretary of state in a social media post. “The current administration will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.”
Broad Criticism Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in condemning the move.
The restrictions were enacted on Tuesday on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), as well as several activists fighting false information, from Germany and the United Kingdom.
A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance
This European legislation is viewed by Washington as a type of speech restriction, whereas European leaders argue the regulations are necessary to combat hate speech and disinformation.
This row risks becoming part of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict involving Washington and Europe.
Other Developments Reported Today
In related judicial news:
- A federal judge has halted efforts to cut security grants to local governments which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The official stated the action was “another example” of linking government assistance to policy compliance.
- Approval was given for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to a major US city prior to the holiday period, alongside an active immigration enforcement operation.
- The nation of Palau will consent to take in dozens of migrants from the US in exchange for increased assistance, after concluding a memorandum of understanding with Washington.
Furthermore, a congressional representative has initiated legal action to demand the removal of a political figure’s name from a well-known cultural institution in Washington DC.
Experts have also noted that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy actions.
