The EU could “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unjustified” visa bans issued by the US against five European individuals working on fighting online hate and disinformation, an EU official has said.
EU Officials Decry US Move as ‘Coercion’
Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the visa restrictions targeted individuals who have been at the heart of campaigns to introduce legislation regulating American tech companies.
“For far too long, European activists have led coordinated campaigns to coerce US companies to suppress 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 From EU Nations
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in criticizing the move.
The restrictions were enacted this week against a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s digital governance law, as well as four anti-disinformation campaigners, including Germany and the United Kingdom.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
This European legislation is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, while European leaders contend the regulations are essential to combat hate speech and falsehoods.
This disagreement risks becoming part of a far wider ongoing cultural and political conflict between Washington and Europe.
Additional Updates in the News
In other judicial news:
- A US district judge has blocked attempts to reduce federal homeland security funding to local governments that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The official ruled the action was “a further instance” of linking government assistance to policy compliance.
- Approval was given for the deployment of 350 national guard members to New Orleans ahead of the holiday period, alongside an active immigration enforcement operation.
- The nation of Palau will consent to take in dozens of individuals from the US in exchange for additional aid, following signing a memorandum of understanding with US authorities.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit to demand the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent performing arts center in Washington DC.
Analysts have also noted that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with historical international strategies.
