The European Union could “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it calls “unwarranted” travel bans issued by the US against five Europeans working on fighting online hate and disinformation, an EU official has said.
EU Officials Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe including the French president accused Washington of “coercion and intimidation”, after the travel bans targeted figures that were at the heart of campaigns to enact laws regulating US-based technology firms.
“For far too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to pressure US companies to suppress US perspectives they disagree with,” stated the US secretary of state in a social media post. “The current administration will not stand for such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”
Widespread Condemnation Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined the French president in condemning the decision.
The bans were imposed this week on a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with several anti-disinformation campaigners, from Germany and the United Kingdom.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
This European legislation is seen by US officials as a form of censorship, whereas EU authorities argue the rules are essential to combat hate speech and disinformation.
This disagreement risks becoming a facet of a much broader existing political and ideological clash between Washington and Europe.
Other Developments in the News
In other judicial developments:
- A federal judge has halted attempts to cut federal homeland security funding to states that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The official ruled the action was “another example” of tying government assistance to policy compliance.
- Authorization was issued for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city prior to the new year, alongside an ongoing border security initiative.
- The nation of Palau has agreed to accept a limited number of individuals from the US in return for increased assistance, after signing a formal agreement with Washington.
Furthermore, a congressional representative has initiated legal action seeking the removal of the current president’s name from a well-known performing arts center in the capital.
Analysts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a wider ideology in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.
