The EU might “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unwarranted” visa bans imposed by the United States on five European individuals working on fighting online hate and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said.
European Leaders Decry US Move as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “coercion and intimidation”, following the visa restrictions were placed on individuals that were central to campaigns to introduce legislation governing US-based technology firms.
“For far too long, ideologues in Europe have led organised efforts to pressure US companies to punish US perspectives they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state in a social media post. “The current administration will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.”
Widespread Condemnation Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported the French president in condemning the move.
The bans were imposed on Tuesday on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s digital governance law, as well as several anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
The DSA is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, while European leaders contend the regulations 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 Washington and European institutions.
Other Developments in the News
In related judicial developments:
- A US district judge has blocked attempts to reduce security grants to states which resist specific federal immigration rules. The judge stated the case was “another example” of linking federal aid to adherence to directives.
- Authorization was issued for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to New Orleans ahead of the new year, coinciding with an active border security initiative.
- The nation of Palau will consent to take in dozens of migrants from the US in return for increased assistance, following signing a formal agreement with Washington.
Furthermore, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit to demand the stripping of the current president’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital.
Analysts have also noted that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a wider ideology in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy actions.
