The European Union might “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unwarranted” visa bans issued by the US on five European individuals involved in fighting online hate and disinformation, an EU official has said.
European Leaders Decry US Move as ‘Intimidation’
European leaders including the French president accused Washington of “coercion and intimidation”, following the travel bans targeted figures that were at the heart of efforts to enact legislation governing US-based technology firms.
“For far too long, European activists have spearheaded organised efforts to pressure US companies to punish US perspectives they oppose,” wrote a senior US official in a social media post. “The current administration will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.”
Widespread Condemnation Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in condemning the move.
The restrictions were imposed this week against an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s digital governance law, as well as four activists fighting false information, from Germany and the United Kingdom.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
This European legislation is seen by Washington as a type of speech restriction, while EU authorities contend the regulations are essential to combat inflammatory language and disinformation.
This row risks becoming a facet of a much broader ongoing cultural and political conflict involving Washington and Europe.
Additional Updates Reported Today
In related judicial developments:
- A federal judge has halted attempts to reduce security grants to states that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The judge ruled the case was “another example” of tying government assistance to policy compliance.
- Authorization was issued for the dispatch of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city ahead of the new year, alongside an ongoing immigration enforcement operation.
- The nation of Palau will consent to accept dozens of individuals from the US in exchange for additional aid, following concluding a formal agreement with Washington.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action seeking the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent cultural institution in the capital.
Analysts point out that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy actions.
