The European Union might “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it deems “unwarranted” visa bans issued by the United States on five Europeans working on fighting online hate and misinformation, an EU official has said.
European Leaders Decry US Action as ‘Coercion’
Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans were placed on figures who have been at the heart of campaigns to introduce legislation governing American tech companies.
“For far too long, European activists have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to coerce US companies to punish US perspectives they oppose,” wrote a senior US official online. “The current administration will not stand for these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.”
Broad Criticism From EU Nations
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined the French president in criticizing the decision.
The bans were enacted this week on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s digital governance law, along with four anti-disinformation campaigners, including Germany and the United Kingdom.
A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance
The DSA is seen by Washington as a type of speech restriction, whereas EU authorities argue the rules are essential to control inflammatory language and disinformation.
This row risks becoming a facet of a far wider ongoing cultural and political conflict involving the current US administration and Europe.
Other Developments Reported Today
In related legal developments:
- A federal judge has halted attempts to reduce federal homeland security funding to states that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The judge stated the case was “another example” of linking federal aid to policy compliance.
- Approval was given for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans prior to the new year, coinciding with an active border security initiative.
- A Pacific Island nation will consent to take in dozens of individuals from the US in exchange for additional aid, after signing a memorandum of understanding with US authorities.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit to demand the removal of the current president’s name from a well-known performing arts center in Washington DC.
Analysts point out that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a wider ideology in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with historical international strategies.
