The EU might “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unwarranted” visa bans issued by the United States against five Europeans working on combating digital hatred and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated.
EU Officials Decry US Action as ‘Intimidation’
European leaders including the French president accused the US administration of “bullying and threats”, after the visa restrictions were placed on figures that were at the heart of campaigns to introduce legislation governing American tech companies.
“For too long, European activists have spearheaded organised efforts to pressure US companies to punish US perspectives they oppose,” stated the US secretary of state online. “This government will not stand for these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.”
Broad Criticism Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined the French president in condemning the move.
The bans were imposed on Tuesday on a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), as well as four activists fighting false information, including Germany and the United Kingdom.
A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance
This European legislation is seen by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders argue the rules are necessary to combat inflammatory language and falsehoods.
This row risks becoming a facet of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict between the current US administration and Europe.
Other Developments in the News
In related legal news:
- A federal judge has blocked attempts to reduce security grants to local governments which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge ruled the action was “a further instance” of linking government assistance to adherence to directives.
- Approval was given for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to New Orleans ahead of the new year, coinciding with an active immigration enforcement operation.
- A Pacific Island nation will consent to take in a limited number of migrants from the US in return for additional aid, following concluding a formal agreement with Washington.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action to demand the removal of a political figure’s name from a well-known cultural institution in the capital.
Experts point out that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.
