The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it calls “unjustified” visa bans imposed by the US on five European individuals involved in combating digital hatred and misinformation, an EU official has said.
EU Officials Decry US Move as ‘Coercion’
European leaders such as the French president charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the visa restrictions were placed on individuals who have been central to efforts to introduce laws regulating US-based technology firms.
“For too long, ideologues in Europe have led organised efforts to coerce US companies to punish US perspectives they oppose,” wrote a senior US official online. “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 joined the French president in condemning the move.
The bans were imposed this week against an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s digital governance law, as well as several anti-disinformation campaigners, including two in Germany and two in the UK.
A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance
The DSA is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, while EU authorities contend the regulations are essential to control hate speech and falsehoods.
This row risks becoming part of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict involving Washington and Europe.
Other Developments Reported Today
In related judicial news:
- A US district judge has halted attempts to cut federal homeland security funding to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The official ruled the case was “another example” of tying 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 border security initiative.
- A Pacific Island nation has agreed to accept a limited number of individuals from the US in exchange for additional aid, after signing a formal agreement with US authorities.
Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action seeking the stripping 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”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy actions.
