The EU might “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it calls “unwarranted” visa bans issued by the United States against five European individuals involved in fighting online hate and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said.
EU Officials Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’
European leaders including the French president charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans targeted figures that were at the heart of campaigns to enact laws governing US-based technology firms.
“For too long, European activists have led organised efforts to coerce US companies to suppress American viewpoints they disagree with,” stated the US secretary of state online. “This government will no longer tolerate such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”
Widespread Condemnation Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined the French president in criticizing the decision.
The bans were enacted this week on a former EU commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), as well as four anti-disinformation campaigners, including Germany and the United Kingdom.
A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation
This European legislation is viewed by Washington as a type of speech restriction, while EU authorities contend the regulations are necessary to control hate speech and disinformation.
This disagreement threatens to become a facet of a far wider ongoing cultural and political conflict involving the current US administration and Europe.
Other Developments Reported Today
In other legal news:
- A US district judge has blocked efforts to cut security grants to states which resist specific federal immigration rules. The judge stated the action was “a further instance” of tying federal aid to adherence to directives.
- Approval was given for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city prior to the new year, alongside an active border security initiative.
- The nation of Palau has agreed to accept a limited number of migrants from the US in exchange for increased assistance, after signing a formal agreement with Washington.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in Washington DC.
Experts point out that comments regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.
