The EU might “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unwarranted” travel bans issued by the US against five Europeans working on fighting digital hatred and misinformation, an EU official has said.
EU Officials Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’
European leaders including Emmanuel Macron accused the US administration of “coercion and intimidation”, after the visa restrictions were placed on figures that were central to efforts to enact legislation governing US-based technology firms.
“For too long, European activists have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to pressure US companies to punish US perspectives they oppose,” stated a senior US official online. “The current administration will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.”
Broad Criticism From EU Nations
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in criticizing the decision.
The bans were enacted this week on an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with four anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
The DSA is seen by US officials as a type of speech restriction, whereas European leaders argue the regulations are necessary to control inflammatory language and falsehoods.
This disagreement risks becoming a facet of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict between Washington and Europe.
Other Developments Reported Today
In other legal developments:
- A US district judge has blocked attempts to cut security grants to states which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the action was “another example” 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 holiday period, coinciding with an active immigration enforcement operation.
- A Pacific Island nation will consent to take in a limited number of individuals from the US in exchange for additional aid, after signing a formal agreement with US authorities.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action seeking the removal of a political figure’s name from a prominent cultural institution in Washington DC.
Experts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a wider ideology in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy strategies.
