The European Union might “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unjustified” visa bans issued by the US against five Europeans working on combating online hate and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated.
European Leaders Decry US Action as ‘Intimidation’
European leaders including the French president accused Washington of “coercion and intimidation”, following the visa restrictions were placed on figures that were central to campaigns to introduce laws regulating US-based technology firms.
“For far too long, European activists have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to pressure American platforms to suppress US perspectives they oppose,” 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 the French president in condemning the move.
The bans were imposed this week against an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s digital governance law, as well as four anti-disinformation campaigners, including Germany and the United Kingdom.
A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance
The DSA is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, while EU authorities contend the regulations are necessary to control inflammatory language and disinformation.
This row threatens to become part of a far wider ongoing cultural and political conflict between Washington and European institutions.
Other Developments in the News
In related legal news:
- A US district judge has halted attempts to cut security grants to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the action was “another example” of linking federal aid to policy compliance.
- Approval was given for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city ahead of the new year, coinciding with an ongoing border security initiative.
- The nation of Palau will consent to accept a limited number of individuals from the US in return for additional aid, following concluding a formal agreement with US authorities.
Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit to demand the stripping of a political figure’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital.
Analysts point out that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a wider ideology in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.
