The EU might “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it deems “unwarranted” travel bans issued by the United States on five Europeans working on fighting online hate and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said.
EU Officials Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans were placed on figures that were at the heart of campaigns to introduce legislation governing American tech companies.
“For far too long, European activists have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to coerce US companies to suppress US perspectives they oppose,” wrote a senior US official in a social media post. “This government will not stand for these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.”
Broad Criticism Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported France in criticizing the move.
The bans were imposed on Tuesday against an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with four anti-disinformation campaigners, including two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance
The DSA is viewed by US officials as a form of censorship, whereas EU authorities contend the rules are necessary to combat inflammatory language and disinformation.
This row threatens to become a facet of a far wider existing political and ideological clash involving the current US administration and Europe.
Other Developments Reported Today
In related legal news:
- A US district judge has halted attempts to cut federal homeland security funding to local governments that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The official stated the action was “another example” of tying government assistance to policy compliance.
- Approval was given for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city prior to the new year, alongside an active border security initiative.
- The nation of Palau has agreed to accept dozens of individuals from the US in return for additional aid, following signing a memorandum of understanding with US authorities.
Furthermore, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of a political figure’s name from a well-known cultural institution in the capital.
Experts have also noted that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a wider ideology in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.
