The EU could “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it deems “unwarranted” travel bans imposed by the United States on five European individuals working on fighting online hate and disinformation, an EU official stated.
European Leaders Condemn US Action as ‘Intimidation’
European leaders including the French president charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the visa restrictions were placed on individuals that were central to efforts to enact legislation regulating American tech companies.
“For too long, ideologues in Europe have led coordinated campaigns to coerce American platforms to suppress American viewpoints they oppose,” stated a senior US official in a social media post. “This government will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.”
Broad Criticism Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined the French president in criticizing the move.
The bans were imposed on Tuesday against an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s digital governance law, as well as four activists fighting false information, from Germany and the United Kingdom.
A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation
This European legislation is seen by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders argue the regulations are essential to control inflammatory language and falsehoods.
This row threatens to become part of a far wider ongoing political and ideological clash between the current US administration and European institutions.
Other Developments in the News
In related legal news:
- A federal judge has halted efforts to cut security grants to states that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The official ruled the case was “a further instance” of linking federal aid to policy compliance.
- Authorization was issued for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city ahead of the new year, coinciding with an active immigration enforcement operation.
- The nation of Palau will consent to accept dozens of migrants from the US in exchange for increased assistance, following concluding a formal agreement with Washington.
Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action to demand the removal of the current president’s name from a well-known performing arts center in Washington DC.
Experts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a wider ideology in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.
