The European Union could “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it calls “unjustified” travel bans issued by the US against five European individuals involved in combating online hate and disinformation, an EU official has said.
EU Officials Decry US Move as ‘Coercion’
Officials from Europe including the French president charged the US administration of “coercion and intimidation”, after the visa restrictions were placed on figures that were at the heart of campaigns to enact laws regulating US-based technology firms.
“For too long, European activists have spearheaded organised efforts to pressure US companies to suppress US perspectives they oppose,” stated the US secretary of state online. “This government will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.”
Widespread Condemnation From EU Nations
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported the French president in condemning the move.
The restrictions were imposed on Tuesday on an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with several anti-disinformation campaigners, including Germany and the United Kingdom.
An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance
The DSA is seen by Washington as a form of censorship, while European leaders argue the regulations are necessary to combat inflammatory language and falsehoods.
This disagreement threatens to become a facet of a far wider existing political and ideological clash involving Washington and European institutions.
Other Developments Reported Today
In other legal news:
- A US district judge has blocked attempts to cut security grants to states that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the case was “a further instance” of tying government assistance to policy compliance.
- Authorization was issued for the deployment of 350 national guard members to New Orleans prior to the new year, alongside an active immigration enforcement operation.
- The nation of Palau will consent to take in a limited number of migrants from the US in return for additional aid, following signing a formal agreement with US authorities.
Furthermore, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit to demand the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent cultural institution in Washington DC.
Experts have also noted that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil align with a wider ideology in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.
