The EU could “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unjustified” visa bans issued by the US on five European individuals working on combating digital hatred and misinformation, an EU official has said.
European Leaders Decry US Move as ‘Intimidation’
European leaders such as the French president charged the US administration of “bullying and threats”, after the visa restrictions targeted individuals that were at the heart of efforts to enact laws regulating US-based technology firms.
“For too long, European activists have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to pressure US companies to suppress US perspectives they disagree with,” stated a senior US official in a social media post. “This government 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 supported the French president in criticizing the move.
The bans were imposed this week on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), as well as several activists fighting false information, from Germany and the United Kingdom.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
This European legislation is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, while EU authorities contend the rules are necessary to combat inflammatory language and disinformation.
This disagreement risks becoming part of a much broader existing political and ideological clash involving the current US administration and Europe.
Other Developments Reported Today
In other judicial news:
- A federal judge has blocked efforts to cut security grants to local governments that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The official ruled the case was “another example” of linking government assistance to policy compliance.
- Approval was given for the deployment of 350 national guard members to a major US city ahead of the holiday period, alongside an ongoing border security initiative.
- A Pacific Island nation will consent to accept a limited number of migrants from the US in return for increased assistance, following concluding a formal agreement with Washington.
Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action 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 actions.
