The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it calls “unjustified” travel bans issued by the US on five European individuals working on fighting online hate and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said.
European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Coercion’
European leaders including the French president accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans were placed on figures that were at the heart of efforts to introduce laws governing American tech companies.
“For far too long, European activists have spearheaded organised efforts to coerce American platforms to suppress US perspectives they oppose,” wrote a senior US official in a social media post. “The current administration will not stand for these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.”
Widespread Condemnation Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported the French president in criticizing the move.
The restrictions were imposed this week on a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with four anti-disinformation campaigners, from Germany and the United Kingdom.
A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation
The DSA is viewed by US officials as a form of censorship, while European leaders contend the regulations are necessary to control hate speech and falsehoods.
This row threatens to become part of a far wider existing political and ideological clash involving the current US administration and Europe.
Additional Updates Reported Today
In related legal news:
- A US district judge has halted attempts to cut security grants to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The judge ruled the case was “another example” of tying federal aid to adherence to directives.
- Approval was given for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to a major US city ahead of the holiday period, alongside an active immigration enforcement operation.
- The nation of Palau has agreed to accept dozens of migrants from the US in return for increased assistance, following signing a formal agreement with US authorities.
Furthermore, a congressional representative has initiated legal action to demand the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent cultural institution in Washington DC.
Experts have also noted that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a wider ideology in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy actions.
