The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it calls “unwarranted” visa bans issued by the US against five European individuals involved in combating digital hatred and misinformation, an EU official has said.
European Leaders Condemn US Action as ‘Coercion’
Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the visa restrictions targeted individuals that were at the heart of campaigns to introduce legislation regulating American tech companies.
“For far too long, ideologues in Europe have led organised efforts to pressure US companies to punish US perspectives they disagree with,” stated the US secretary of state in a social media post. “This government will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.”
Widespread Condemnation From EU Nations
Nations including Germany, Spain, and the UK, alongside numerous EU representatives supported the French president in criticizing the move.
The restrictions were enacted on Tuesday against an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s digital governance law, as well as several anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance
The DSA is seen by US officials as a type of speech restriction, whereas EU authorities contend the regulations are necessary to combat hate speech and falsehoods.
This row risks becoming part of a far wider ongoing cultural and political conflict between Washington and European institutions.
Other Developments Reported Today
In related judicial news:
- A federal judge has blocked efforts to cut security grants to states that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The official ruled the action was “a further instance” of linking government assistance to adherence to directives.
- Authorization was issued for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans prior to the new year, alongside an ongoing immigration enforcement operation.
- The nation of Palau has agreed to accept a limited number of individuals from the US in exchange for additional aid, after concluding a memorandum of understanding with US authorities.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action to demand the removal of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in the capital.
Experts have also noted that comments regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.
