The EU could “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it deems “unwarranted” travel bans issued by the United States on five Europeans involved in combating digital hatred and disinformation, an EU official has said.
EU Officials Decry US Move as ‘Intimidation’
European leaders such as the French president charged Washington of “coercion and intimidation”, after the travel bans targeted figures that were at the heart of campaigns to introduce legislation regulating US-based technology firms.
“For far too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to coerce American platforms to punish American viewpoints they oppose,” stated a senior US official online. “The current administration will no longer tolerate such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”
Broad Criticism From EU Nations
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in condemning the decision.
The bans were enacted this week on an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), as well as four anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
A Deepening Dispute Regarding Governance
The DSA is seen by Washington as a type of speech restriction, whereas European leaders contend the rules are essential to control hate speech and disinformation.
This row threatens to become a facet of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict between Washington and European institutions.
Other Developments Reported Today
In related legal developments:
- A US district judge has halted efforts to cut security grants to local governments that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The official ruled the action was “another example” of linking federal aid to policy compliance.
- Approval was given for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to New Orleans prior to the holiday period, alongside an active immigration enforcement operation.
- A Pacific Island nation will consent to accept a limited number of migrants from the US in exchange for increased assistance, after signing a memorandum of understanding with US authorities.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in the capital.
Analysts have also noted that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.
