The EU might “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unwarranted” visa bans issued by the United States on five European individuals working on fighting digital hatred and misinformation, an EU official has said.
EU Officials Decry US Move as ‘Intimidation’
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 legislation regulating American tech companies.
“For far too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded organised efforts to coerce American platforms to suppress American viewpoints they oppose,” wrote a senior US official in a social media post. “The current administration will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.”
Widespread Condemnation Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in condemning the decision.
The restrictions were imposed this week against an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the EU’s digital governance law, along with several anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance
The DSA is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, while European leaders contend the rules are necessary to control hate speech and falsehoods.
This row threatens to become part of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict involving the current US administration and Europe.
Other Developments in the News
In related legal news:
- A US district judge has blocked attempts to cut security grants to states which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge stated the action was “a further instance” of tying government assistance to policy compliance.
- Authorization was issued for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans ahead of the new year, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation.
- The nation of Palau will consent to accept dozens of individuals from the US in exchange for additional aid, after concluding a formal agreement with US authorities.
Additionally, a congressional representative has initiated legal action seeking the stripping of the current president’s name from a well-known cultural institution in Washington DC.
Experts have also noted that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a wider ideology in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy actions.
