The European Union could “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it calls “unwarranted” travel bans issued by the US on five Europeans involved in combating digital hatred and disinformation, an EU official has said.
European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe including the French president accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the visa restrictions targeted figures that were at the heart of campaigns to introduce legislation regulating American tech companies.
“For too long, ideologues in Europe have led organised efforts to coerce US companies to suppress American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote a senior US official in a social media post. “The current administration will not stand for such actions of censorship beyond its borders.”
Widespread Condemnation Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported the French president in condemning the decision.
The restrictions were imposed on Tuesday on a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s digital governance law, as well as several anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation
The DSA is seen by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders argue the regulations are necessary to control hate speech and falsehoods.
This row risks becoming part of a much broader ongoing political and ideological clash involving the current US administration and Europe.
Additional Updates in the News
In related legal news:
- A US district judge has blocked efforts to reduce federal homeland security funding to states that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The official stated the case was “another example” of linking government assistance to adherence to directives.
- Approval was given for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to a major US city prior to the new year, coinciding with an active immigration enforcement operation.
- A Pacific Island nation will consent to accept dozens of migrants from the US in return for additional aid, after signing a memorandum of understanding with Washington.
Additionally, a congressional representative has initiated legal action to demand the stripping of the current president’s name from a well-known performing arts center in Washington DC.
Experts point out that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy actions.