The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it deems “unwarranted” visa bans issued by the US against five Europeans working on combating digital hatred and misinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said.
European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the visa restrictions were placed on individuals who have been at the heart of campaigns to enact laws regulating American tech companies.
“For too long, European activists have led organised efforts to pressure American platforms to suppress American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote a senior US official online. “This government will not stand for such actions of censorship beyond its borders.”
Broad Criticism From EU Nations
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported France in criticizing the decision.
The bans were imposed this week against an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s digital governance law, along with several activists fighting false information, including two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance
The DSA is viewed by US officials as a form of censorship, while EU authorities contend the rules are necessary to control inflammatory language and falsehoods.
This disagreement risks becoming part of a much broader ongoing cultural and political conflict between Washington and Europe.
Other Developments in the News
In related legal news:
- A US district judge has halted efforts to reduce security grants to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the action was “another example” of linking government assistance to policy compliance.
- Approval was given for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to New Orleans ahead of the holiday period, coinciding with an ongoing border security initiative.
- A Pacific Island nation will consent to take in a limited number of migrants from the US in exchange for additional aid, after signing a memorandum of understanding with US authorities.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action to demand the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent cultural institution in Washington DC.
Analysts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a wider ideology in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.
