The EU could “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it deems “unwarranted” travel bans issued by the US against five European individuals working on fighting online hate and misinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said.
EU Officials Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’
European leaders including Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “coercion and intimidation”, after the travel bans targeted figures who have been at the heart of efforts to enact legislation governing US-based technology firms.
“For too long, ideologues in Europe have led organised efforts to coerce US companies to suppress American viewpoints they disagree with,” stated the US secretary of state online. “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 supported the French president in condemning the move.
The bans were enacted this week against a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s digital governance law, along with four anti-disinformation campaigners, including Germany and the United Kingdom.
A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation
This European legislation is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, while EU authorities contend the regulations are necessary to control hate speech and falsehoods.
This row threatens to become part of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict between Washington and Europe.
Additional Updates Reported Today
In related legal developments:
- A federal judge has halted efforts to cut security grants to states which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the case was “a further instance” of tying government assistance to adherence to directives.
- Approval was given for the deployment of 350 national guard members to New Orleans prior to 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 return for additional aid, after signing a formal agreement with US authorities.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action to demand the removal of a political figure’s name from a well-known cultural institution in Washington DC.
Experts have also noted that comments regarding Venezuelan oil align with a broader belief in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.
