The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it calls “unjustified” travel bans imposed by the US against five Europeans working on combating online hate and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said.
European Leaders Condemn US Action as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron accused the US administration of “coercion and intimidation”, following the travel bans targeted individuals that were central to campaigns to introduce laws regulating American tech companies.
“For too long, European activists have led coordinated campaigns to pressure American platforms to punish American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “The current administration will no longer tolerate such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”
Widespread Condemnation Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported France in criticizing the move.
The restrictions were imposed on Tuesday against a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s digital governance law, along with four anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
This European legislation is seen by Washington as a form of censorship, while European leaders argue the regulations are necessary to control hate speech and falsehoods.
This row risks becoming part of a much broader existing political and ideological clash involving the current US administration and European institutions.
Other Developments in the News
In related legal news:
- A US district judge has blocked attempts to reduce security grants to local governments that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The official stated the case was “another example” of linking federal aid to adherence to directives.
- Authorization was issued for the deployment of 350 national guard members to New Orleans ahead of the holiday period, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation.
- The nation of Palau will consent to accept dozens 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 removal of a political figure’s name from a well-known cultural institution in the capital.
Experts point out that comments regarding Venezuelan oil align with a broader belief in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy actions.
