The EU might “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unjustified” visa bans imposed by the United States against five Europeans working on combating online hate and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said.
European Leaders Decry US Action as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe such as the French president accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans targeted individuals who have been at the heart of efforts to introduce legislation governing American tech companies.
“For far too long, European activists have spearheaded organised efforts to pressure US companies to punish US perspectives they disagree with,” stated a senior US official online. “This government will not stand for these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.”
Broad Criticism Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in condemning the move.
The bans were imposed on Tuesday on a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s digital governance law, as well as several anti-disinformation campaigners, including two in Germany and two in the UK.
A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation
This European legislation is seen by US officials as a type of speech restriction, whereas European leaders argue the rules are essential to combat hate speech and disinformation.
This disagreement risks becoming part of a far wider existing political and ideological clash involving the current US administration and Europe.
Additional Updates Reported Today
In other judicial developments:
- A federal judge has blocked attempts to cut security grants to states which resist specific federal immigration rules. The judge ruled the case was “another example” of tying government assistance to policy compliance.
- Authorization was issued for the deployment of 350 national guard members to New Orleans ahead of the new year, coinciding with an active border security initiative.
- The nation of Palau will consent to take in a limited number of individuals from the US in exchange for additional aid, after signing a memorandum of understanding with Washington.
Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action seeking the removal of a political figure’s name from a well-known cultural institution in Washington DC.
Experts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a wider ideology in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy strategies.
