The EU could “act quickly and firmly” against 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.
EU Officials Decry US Action as ‘Coercion’
European leaders including Emmanuel Macron charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans were placed on figures who have been at the heart of efforts to enact laws regulating American tech companies.
“For too long, European activists have led organised efforts to pressure American platforms to punish US perspectives they oppose,” stated a senior US official online. “This government will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.”
Broad Criticism From EU Nations
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported the French president in condemning the move.
The restrictions were enacted this week on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), as well as several anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance
The DSA is seen by US officials as a type of speech restriction, whereas European leaders contend the regulations are necessary to control hate speech and disinformation.
This disagreement risks becoming a facet of a much broader existing political and ideological clash between Washington and European institutions.
Other Developments in the News
In related legal news:
- A federal judge has halted efforts to reduce federal homeland security funding to states which resist specific federal immigration rules. The official ruled the action was “another example” of linking federal aid to adherence to directives.
- Approval was given for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to New Orleans prior to the new year, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation.
- A Pacific Island nation has agreed to accept dozens of migrants from the US in exchange for additional aid, following signing a formal agreement with US authorities.
Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit to demand the stripping of a political figure’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital.
Experts point out that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a wider ideology in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.
