The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it deems “unjustified” visa bans issued by the US on five European individuals involved in combating online hate and misinformation, an EU official has said.
European Leaders Decry US Action as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe including the French president charged the US administration of “bullying and threats”, after the visa restrictions targeted figures who have been at the heart of efforts to enact legislation regulating American tech companies.
“For far too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded organised efforts to coerce US companies to suppress US perspectives they disagree with,” wrote a senior US official in a social media post. “This government will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.”
Broad Criticism Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in criticizing the decision.
The bans were enacted on Tuesday on a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s digital governance law, along with several activists fighting false information, from Germany and the United Kingdom.
A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance
This European legislation is seen by US officials as a type of speech restriction, whereas EU authorities contend the regulations are necessary to combat hate speech and disinformation.
This disagreement threatens to become part of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict involving Washington and European institutions.
Additional Updates Reported Today
In related legal developments:
- A US district judge has blocked attempts to cut security grants to states that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The official stated the action was “a further instance” of linking government assistance to adherence to directives.
- Approval was given for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city prior to the new year, alongside an ongoing immigration enforcement operation.
- The nation of Palau has agreed to take in a limited number of migrants from the US in exchange for additional aid, after signing a formal agreement with US authorities.
Additionally, a congressional representative has initiated legal action seeking the removal 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 actions.
