The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it deems “unwarranted” travel bans issued by the US on five Europeans working on fighting digital hatred and misinformation, an EU official has said.
EU Officials Decry US Action as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe including the French president accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans were placed on individuals that were central to campaigns to introduce legislation governing American tech companies.
“For too long, European activists have led organised efforts to pressure US companies to punish US perspectives they disagree with,” stated 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.”
Widespread Condemnation From EU Nations
Nations including Germany, Spain, and the UK, alongside numerous EU representatives supported France in criticizing the move.
The bans were enacted on Tuesday on a former EU commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s digital governance law, along with several anti-disinformation campaigners, including two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
The DSA is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, while EU authorities contend the rules are necessary to combat hate speech and disinformation.
This row risks becoming a facet of a much broader ongoing cultural and political conflict between Washington and Europe.
Other Developments in the News
In other legal news:
- A US district judge has blocked efforts to cut federal homeland security funding to local governments that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The official stated the case was “a further instance” of linking government assistance to policy compliance.
- Authorization was issued for the deployment of 350 national guard members to a major US city ahead of the holiday period, alongside an active immigration enforcement operation.
- A Pacific Island nation will consent to take in dozens of individuals from the US in exchange for additional aid, following concluding a formal agreement with Washington.
Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit to demand the removal of a political figure’s name from a well-known cultural institution in the capital.
Experts point out that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with historical international strategies.
