The EU could “act quickly and firmly” against what it calls “unwarranted” travel bans issued by the US against five European individuals working on combating digital hatred and disinformation, an EU official stated.
EU Officials Decry US Action as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the visa restrictions targeted individuals that were at the heart of efforts to enact legislation regulating US-based technology firms.
“For far too long, European activists have led coordinated campaigns to coerce American platforms to suppress American viewpoints they disagree with,” stated a senior US official online. “This government will not stand for these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.”
Widespread Condemnation Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported the French president in criticizing the move.
The bans were imposed this week against a former EU commissioner who helped draft the EU’s digital governance law, as well as several anti-disinformation campaigners, from 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 regulations are necessary to combat inflammatory language and disinformation.
This disagreement risks becoming part of a far wider ongoing cultural and political conflict between the current US administration and Europe.
Other Developments Reported Today
In related judicial news:
- A federal judge has blocked efforts to reduce federal homeland security funding to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the action was “a further instance” of linking government assistance to adherence to directives.
- Authorization was issued for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans ahead of the holiday period, coinciding with an active border security initiative.
- The nation of Palau has agreed to take in dozens of individuals from the US in return for increased assistance, after signing a memorandum of understanding with Washington.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit to demand the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital.
Analysts point out that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with historical international strategies.
