The European Union might “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unjustified” travel bans issued by the US against five European individuals involved in combating online hate and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said.
European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Coercion’
European leaders including Emmanuel Macron charged the US administration of “bullying and threats”, after the visa restrictions were placed on individuals that were at the heart of campaigns to introduce laws regulating American tech companies.
“For far too long, European activists have led coordinated campaigns to pressure American platforms to suppress American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “The current administration will not stand for these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.”
Broad Criticism Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in condemning the decision.
The bans were enacted this week against a former EU commissioner who helped draft the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with four activists fighting false information, from Germany and the United Kingdom.
A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation
This European legislation is seen by Washington as a form of censorship, while EU authorities contend the rules are necessary 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 in the News
In other judicial news:
- A federal judge has halted efforts to reduce security grants to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The judge ruled the action was “a further instance” of tying government assistance to adherence to directives.
- Authorization was issued for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to New Orleans prior to the new year, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation.
- A Pacific Island nation has agreed to take in dozens of individuals from the US in return for increased assistance, following signing a formal agreement with Washington.
Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit to demand the removal of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in the capital.
Experts have also noted that comments regarding Venezuelan oil align with a broader belief in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with historical international strategies.
