The EU could “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it deems “unwarranted” visa bans issued by the US on five Europeans working on combating digital hatred and disinformation, an EU official has said.
European Leaders Decry US Action as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe such as the French president accused Washington of “coercion and intimidation”, following the visa restrictions were placed on figures who have been central to campaigns to introduce legislation regulating American tech companies.
“For far too long, European activists have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to coerce US companies to punish US perspectives they oppose,” wrote the US secretary of state in a social media post. “The current administration will no longer tolerate such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”
Broad Criticism From EU Nations
Nations including Germany, Spain, and the UK, alongside numerous EU representatives joined the French president in criticizing the decision.
The restrictions were imposed on Tuesday on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), as well as four anti-disinformation campaigners, including two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
The DSA is seen by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders contend the regulations are essential to combat hate speech and disinformation.
This row risks becoming part of a far wider existing political and ideological clash between the current US administration and Europe.
Other Developments Reported Today
In other legal developments:
- A federal judge has halted attempts to reduce security grants to local governments which resist specific federal immigration rules. The official stated the action was “a further instance” of tying federal aid 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 ongoing border security initiative.
- The nation of Palau will consent to take in dozens of individuals from the US in exchange for additional aid, following concluding a memorandum of understanding with US authorities.
Additionally, a congressional representative has initiated legal action to demand the removal of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in Washington DC.
Experts have also noted that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy strategies.
