The EU could “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unjustified” visa bans imposed by the US on five Europeans working on fighting online hate and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said.
EU Officials Condemn US Action as ‘Intimidation’
European leaders such as the French president accused the US administration of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans targeted individuals that were central to campaigns to introduce laws regulating US-based technology firms.
“For too long, European activists have led coordinated campaigns to pressure US companies to suppress American viewpoints they oppose,” wrote a senior US official online. “This government will not stand for these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.”
Widespread Condemnation From EU Nations
Nations including Germany, Spain, and the UK, alongside numerous EU representatives supported the French president in condemning the move.
The bans were enacted this week on a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), as well as several activists fighting false information, including Germany and the United Kingdom.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
The DSA is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas EU authorities argue the rules are essential to control inflammatory language and falsehoods.
This row risks becoming a facet of a much broader ongoing cultural and political conflict between Washington and Europe.
Additional Updates Reported Today
In other legal news:
- A federal judge has halted efforts to cut security grants to states that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The official stated the case was “a further instance” of tying federal aid to adherence to directives.
- Authorization was issued for the deployment of 350 national guard members to New Orleans prior to the new year, coinciding with an active immigration enforcement operation.
- A Pacific Island nation has agreed to accept dozens of individuals from the US in exchange for increased assistance, following signing a formal agreement with Washington.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action to demand the stripping of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in the capital.
Experts have also noted that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.
