The European Union might “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unjustified” visa bans imposed by the United States against five European individuals working on combating online hate and disinformation, an EU official has said.
EU Officials Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’
European leaders including the French president accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans were placed on individuals that were at the heart of efforts to introduce laws governing US-based technology firms.
“For too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded organised efforts to pressure American platforms to punish US perspectives they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “The current administration will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.”
Broad Criticism From EU Nations
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported the French president in condemning the move.
The restrictions were enacted on Tuesday on a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with several anti-disinformation campaigners, from Germany and the United Kingdom.
A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation
The DSA is seen by Washington as a type of speech restriction, while EU authorities contend the regulations are essential to control hate speech and falsehoods.
This row threatens to become part of a much broader ongoing political and ideological clash involving Washington and Europe.
Other Developments in the News
In other legal developments:
- A federal judge has halted attempts to cut federal homeland security funding to states that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the action was “a further instance” of linking government assistance to policy compliance.
- Approval was given for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to New Orleans prior to the new year, coinciding with an active border security initiative.
- A Pacific Island nation has agreed to accept dozens of individuals from the US in exchange for increased assistance, after concluding a memorandum of understanding with Washington.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent performing arts center in Washington DC.
Experts point out that comments regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a wider ideology in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with historical international strategies.
