The European Union could “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it deems “unwarranted” visa bans issued by the United States on five Europeans working on combating online hate and misinformation, an EU official has said.
European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Coercion’
European leaders including Emmanuel Macron charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans targeted individuals who have been central to campaigns to introduce legislation governing American tech companies.
“For far too long, European activists have led coordinated campaigns to pressure US companies to punish US perspectives they oppose,” wrote a senior US official online. “This government will not stand for such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”
Broad Criticism From EU Nations
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in criticizing the move.
The bans were imposed this week against an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with several anti-disinformation campaigners, from Germany and the United Kingdom.
An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance
The DSA is seen by US officials as a form of censorship, while European leaders argue the rules are essential to control hate speech and falsehoods.
This disagreement risks becoming part of a far wider ongoing political and ideological clash between Washington and Europe.
Other Developments in the News
In related judicial developments:
- A US district judge has blocked efforts to cut security grants to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The official ruled the case was “another example” of linking government assistance to adherence to directives.
- Authorization was issued for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans prior to the holiday period, coinciding with an active immigration enforcement operation.
- The nation of Palau will consent to accept a limited number of migrants from the US in return for additional aid, after signing a formal agreement with US authorities.
Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit to demand the stripping of a political figure’s name from a prominent cultural institution in the capital.
Analysts have also noted that comments regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with historical international strategies.
