The EU might “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it deems “unwarranted” visa bans issued by the US on five European individuals involved in fighting online hate and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said.
European Leaders Decry US Move as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans targeted individuals that were at the heart of efforts to enact laws regulating US-based technology firms.
“For too long, ideologues in Europe have led organised efforts to coerce US companies to punish US perspectives they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “This government will not stand for such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”
Widespread Condemnation From EU Nations
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined the French president in criticizing the decision.
The restrictions were imposed this week against an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s digital governance law, as well as four activists fighting false information, from Germany and the United Kingdom.
A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation
This European legislation is viewed by Washington as a type of speech restriction, whereas European leaders contend the regulations are necessary to control hate speech and disinformation.
This disagreement threatens to become a facet of a much broader ongoing cultural and political conflict between Washington and European institutions.
Other Developments Reported Today
In other legal news:
- A federal judge has halted efforts to reduce security grants to states which resist specific federal immigration rules. The judge stated the action was “a further instance” of linking government assistance to policy compliance.
- Authorization was issued for the deployment of 350 national guard members to a major US city ahead of the new year, alongside an active immigration enforcement operation.
- The nation of Palau will consent to take in dozens of migrants from the US in return for increased assistance, following signing a memorandum of understanding with Washington.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action seeking the stripping of the current president’s name from a prominent performing arts center in Washington DC.
Experts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a broader belief in certain circles of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.
