The European Union might “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unjustified” visa bans issued by the US on five Europeans involved in fighting digital hatred and misinformation, an EU official has said.
EU Officials Condemn US Action as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron charged the US administration of “coercion and intimidation”, after the travel bans targeted individuals who have been central to campaigns to enact laws regulating American tech companies.
“For too long, European activists have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to coerce US companies to punish US perspectives they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “This government will not stand for these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.”
Broad Criticism Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported France in condemning the decision.
The bans were enacted this week against an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with several anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
The DSA is seen by US officials as a form of censorship, while European leaders contend the rules are essential to combat hate speech and disinformation.
This row threatens to become a facet of a far wider ongoing cultural and political conflict involving the current US administration and Europe.
Other Developments in the News
In related legal developments:
- A federal judge has halted efforts to cut federal homeland security funding to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge 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 holiday period, coinciding with an active border security initiative.
- The nation of Palau will consent to take in dozens of migrants from the US in exchange for increased assistance, following concluding a memorandum of understanding with Washington.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action to demand the removal of a political figure’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital.
Experts point out that comments regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy strategies.
