The European Union could “act quickly and firmly” against what it deems “unwarranted” travel bans imposed by the US on five Europeans working on combating digital hatred and misinformation, an EU official has said.
European Leaders Decry US Action as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe including the French president charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans were placed on individuals who have been at the heart of efforts to introduce laws governing US-based technology firms.
“For far too long, European activists have led coordinated campaigns to pressure US companies to suppress American viewpoints they oppose,” stated a senior US official in a social media post. “The current administration will no longer tolerate such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”
Widespread Condemnation From EU Nations
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported the French president in condemning the decision.
The bans were enacted on Tuesday on an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA), along with four anti-disinformation campaigners, including two in Germany and two in the UK.
A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation
The DSA is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, while EU authorities contend the rules are necessary to combat inflammatory language and disinformation.
This disagreement threatens to become part of a far wider ongoing political and ideological clash involving the current US administration and European institutions.
Additional Updates Reported Today
In related legal developments:
- A US district judge has blocked efforts to cut security grants to states that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge ruled the action was “a further instance” of tying government assistance to policy compliance.
- Authorization was issued for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to New Orleans prior to the new year, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation.
- A Pacific Island nation will consent to take in a limited number of migrants from the US in exchange for additional aid, after signing a formal agreement with US authorities.
Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action seeking the removal of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in Washington DC.
Experts point out that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with historical international strategies.
