The EU could “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unwarranted” travel bans imposed by the US on five Europeans working on fighting online hate and misinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated.
EU Officials Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe such as Emmanuel Macron charged the US administration of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans were placed on individuals that were at the heart of campaigns to introduce laws governing American tech companies.
“For far too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded organised efforts to pressure US companies to suppress 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 supported France in condemning the decision.
The bans were enacted on Tuesday on a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s digital governance law, along with four activists fighting false information, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
The DSA is seen by Washington as a form of censorship, while EU authorities argue the rules are necessary to control hate speech and disinformation.
This row risks becoming part of a far wider ongoing political and ideological clash involving Washington and Europe.
Other Developments Reported Today
In other judicial developments:
- A US district judge has halted efforts to cut security grants to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The official stated the case was “another example” of linking government assistance to policy compliance.
- Authorization was issued for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to a major US city prior to the holiday period, coinciding with 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, following signing a memorandum of understanding with Washington.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action seeking the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital.
Experts have also noted that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a broader belief in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy actions.
