The EU could “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unjustified” visa bans issued by the US on five Europeans involved in combating online hate and disinformation, an EU official has said.
European Leaders Condemn US Action as ‘Coercion’
European leaders such as the French president charged the US administration of “coercion and intimidation”, following the visa restrictions were placed on individuals that were central to campaigns to introduce legislation governing American tech companies.
“For far too long, European activists have led organised efforts to coerce US companies to punish American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state in a social media post. “The current administration will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.”
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 on Tuesday against a former EU commissioner who helped draft the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with four anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance
This European legislation is viewed by US officials as a form of censorship, while EU authorities argue the rules are essential to control inflammatory language and disinformation.
This row risks becoming a facet of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict between Washington and Europe.
Other Developments in the News
In related legal developments:
- A US district judge has blocked attempts to cut security grants to local governments that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The judge ruled the case was “a further instance” of linking federal aid to adherence to directives.
- Authorization was issued for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to a major US city prior to the holiday period, alongside an active border security initiative.
- The nation of Palau has agreed to accept dozens of migrants from the US in return for increased assistance, following signing a memorandum of understanding with Washington.
Additionally, a congressional representative has initiated legal action to demand the removal of a political figure’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital.
Experts point out that comments regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.
