The EU could “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unjustified” travel bans imposed by the US against five Europeans involved in fighting online hate and misinformation, an EU official has said.
EU Officials Decry US Action as ‘Coercion’
Officials from Europe including the French president charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the visa restrictions were placed on individuals who have been at the heart of campaigns to enact legislation governing US-based technology firms.
“For far too long, European activists have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to pressure US companies to punish American viewpoints they oppose,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “This government will not stand for these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.”
Broad Criticism Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in criticizing the move.
The restrictions were imposed this week on a former EU commissioner who helped draft the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with four anti-disinformation campaigners, from Germany and the United Kingdom.
An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance
The DSA is seen by US officials as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders argue the rules are necessary to combat inflammatory language and disinformation.
This row risks becoming part of a far wider ongoing political and ideological clash between the current US administration and European institutions.
Other Developments in the News
In related legal news:
- A federal judge has halted attempts to reduce security grants to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge stated the action was “another example” of tying federal aid to adherence to directives.
- Approval was given for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city ahead of the holiday period, alongside an ongoing immigration enforcement operation.
- A Pacific Island nation will consent to accept a limited number of migrants from the US in exchange for increased assistance, after concluding a formal agreement with Washington.
Furthermore, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit to demand the removal of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in the capital.
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.
