The EU might “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it calls “unwarranted” visa bans issued by the US on five Europeans involved in combating digital hatred and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said.
European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Coercion’
European leaders including Emmanuel Macron charged the US administration of “bullying and threats”, following the visa restrictions were placed on figures who have been central to campaigns to introduce legislation governing American tech companies.
“For far too long, European activists have led coordinated campaigns to pressure US companies to suppress American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state in a social media post. “This government 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 France in criticizing the decision.
The restrictions were imposed on Tuesday against a former EU commissioner who helped draft the EU’s digital governance law, along with four activists fighting false information, from Germany and the United Kingdom.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
The DSA is viewed by Washington as a type of speech restriction, whereas EU authorities argue the regulations are necessary to combat hate speech and falsehoods.
This row threatens to become part of a far wider ongoing political and ideological clash involving the current US administration and Europe.
Additional Updates Reported Today
In other legal developments:
- A federal judge has halted attempts to reduce security grants to states that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge ruled the case was “another example” 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 holiday period, alongside an active border security initiative.
- The nation of Palau will consent to take in a limited number of migrants from the US in return for increased assistance, following concluding a formal agreement with Washington.
Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent performing arts center in Washington DC.
Experts have also noted that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a broader belief in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy strategies.
