The EU could “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it deems “unwarranted” visa bans imposed by the US against five European individuals involved in combating digital hatred and disinformation, an EU official stated.
EU Officials Decry US Action as ‘Coercion’
European leaders including Emmanuel Macron accused the US administration of “coercion and intimidation”, after the visa restrictions targeted figures who have been central to campaigns to introduce legislation regulating American tech companies.
“For far too long, European activists have led coordinated campaigns to pressure US companies to punish US perspectives they oppose,” wrote the US secretary of state in a social media post. “This government will not stand for these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.”
Widespread Condemnation Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined the French president in condemning the move.
The bans were imposed on Tuesday against a former EU commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s digital governance law, along with four anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
This European legislation is viewed by Washington as a type of speech restriction, whereas EU authorities argue the regulations are essential to control inflammatory language and disinformation.
This row threatens to become a facet of a far wider existing political and ideological clash between the current US administration and Europe.
Other Developments Reported Today
In other legal news:
- A federal judge has blocked efforts to cut 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 tying federal aid to policy compliance.
- Approval was given for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans ahead of the holiday period, coinciding with an active immigration enforcement operation.
- The nation of Palau has agreed to accept dozens of individuals from the US in return for increased assistance, following signing a memorandum of understanding with US authorities.
Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit seeking the stripping of the current president’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital.
Analysts have also noted that comments regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with historical international strategies.
