The European Union might “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unwarranted” visa bans imposed by the United States on five European individuals involved in fighting digital hatred and misinformation, an EU official has said.
European Leaders Decry US Action as ‘Coercion’
Officials from Europe including the French president accused Washington of “coercion and intimidation”, after the travel bans targeted individuals who have been at the heart of campaigns to enact laws governing American tech companies.
“For far too long, ideologues in Europe have led coordinated campaigns to pressure US companies to suppress American viewpoints they oppose,” wrote the US secretary of state in a social media post. “This government will not stand for such actions of censorship beyond its borders.”
Widespread Condemnation From EU Nations
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in condemning the move.
The bans were imposed on Tuesday against an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s digital governance law, as well as several anti-disinformation campaigners, including two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
This European legislation is seen by US officials as a type of speech restriction, whereas EU authorities argue the regulations are necessary to control inflammatory language and disinformation.
This row risks becoming a facet of a far wider ongoing cultural and political conflict involving Washington and European institutions.
Additional Updates in the News
In other legal news:
- A federal judge has halted attempts to cut federal homeland security funding to states that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge stated the action was “another example” of tying federal aid to policy compliance.
- Authorization was issued for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to New Orleans ahead of the new year, coinciding with an active border security initiative.
- The nation of Palau has agreed to accept dozens of individuals from the US in exchange for additional aid, after concluding a formal agreement with US authorities.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action seeking the stripping of the current president’s name from a well-known performing arts center in Washington DC.
Experts have also noted that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with historical international strategies.
