The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it deems “unjustified” visa bans issued by the US against five European individuals working on fighting online hate and disinformation, an EU official has said.
EU Officials Condemn US Action as ‘Intimidation’
European leaders including Emmanuel Macron charged the US administration of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans targeted individuals who have been central to campaigns to introduce laws governing US-based technology firms.
“For too long, European activists have led coordinated campaigns to coerce American platforms to punish American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state in a social media post. “This government will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.”
Broad Criticism Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported France in condemning the move.
The restrictions were imposed on Tuesday on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), as well as several activists fighting false information, including two in Germany and two in the UK.
A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance
This European legislation is viewed by US officials as a type of speech restriction, whereas EU authorities contend the rules are essential to combat hate speech and falsehoods.
This row risks becoming part of a far wider ongoing political and ideological clash involving the current US administration and Europe.
Other Developments Reported Today
In related legal news:
- A federal judge has halted attempts to cut security grants to states which resist specific federal immigration rules. The official ruled the action was “a further instance” of linking federal aid to policy compliance.
- Approval was given for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city prior to the holiday period, alongside an active border security initiative.
- The nation of Palau has agreed to take in dozens of individuals from the US in return for increased assistance, after signing a formal agreement with US authorities.
Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action to demand the removal of the current president’s name from a well-known performing arts center in Washington DC.
Experts have also noted that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a wider ideology in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy actions.
