The European Union could “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it calls “unjustified” visa bans issued by the US against five Europeans working on combating online hate and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated.
EU Officials Condemn US Action as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe including the French president accused Washington of “coercion and intimidation”, following the visa restrictions targeted individuals who have been at the heart of efforts to enact legislation governing American tech companies.
“For too long, ideologues in Europe have led organised efforts to pressure American platforms to suppress American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state in a social media post. “The current administration will not stand for such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”
Broad Criticism Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined the French president in condemning the move.
The bans were imposed this week on a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), as well as several activists fighting false information, from Germany and the United Kingdom.
A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation
The DSA is viewed by US officials as a type of speech restriction, while European leaders argue the regulations are essential to combat inflammatory language and disinformation.
This row threatens to become part of a far wider ongoing political and ideological clash involving Washington and Europe.
Additional Updates Reported Today
In other judicial news:
- A federal judge has halted efforts to cut security grants to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the case was “another example” of linking federal aid to policy compliance.
- Approval was given for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to New Orleans ahead of the new year, alongside an active immigration enforcement operation.
- The nation of Palau will consent to accept a limited number of individuals from the US in exchange for increased assistance, following concluding a formal agreement with US authorities.
Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit to demand the removal of a political figure’s name from a prominent performing arts center in Washington DC.
Experts have also noted that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a wider ideology in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy actions.
