The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it calls “unwarranted” travel bans imposed by the United States against five Europeans involved in fighting online hate and misinformation, an EU official has said.
European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’
European leaders including the French president accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the visa restrictions targeted figures who have been at the heart of campaigns to introduce laws regulating US-based technology firms.
“For too long, European activists have led organised efforts to coerce American platforms to suppress US perspectives they oppose,” wrote a senior US official online. “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 supported France in criticizing the move.
The bans were enacted on Tuesday against a former EU commissioner who helped draft the EU’s digital governance law, as well as several activists fighting false information, including two in Germany and two in the UK.
A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance
This European legislation is seen by US officials as a form of censorship, while European leaders argue the regulations are essential to control hate speech and disinformation.
This disagreement threatens to become part of a far wider existing political and ideological clash involving Washington and Europe.
Other Developments Reported Today
In related judicial news:
- A federal judge has halted attempts to cut federal homeland security funding to states that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The judge ruled the case was “another example” of linking federal aid to policy compliance.
- Approval was given for the deployment of 350 national guard members to a major US city ahead of the new year, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation.
- The nation of Palau will consent to take in dozens of migrants from the US in exchange for additional aid, following signing a formal agreement with US authorities.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit seeking the stripping of a political figure’s name from a prominent cultural institution in the capital.
Experts have also noted that comments regarding Venezuelan oil align with a wider ideology in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.
