The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it deems “unjustified” travel bans imposed by the US on five Europeans working on combating online hate and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated.
EU Officials Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’
European leaders such as the French president accused the US administration of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans targeted figures that were central to campaigns to enact laws governing US-based technology firms.
“For far too long, European activists have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to pressure American platforms to suppress American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote the US secretary of state online. “The current administration will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.”
Widespread Condemnation Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported France in condemning the decision.
The restrictions were imposed on Tuesday on a former EU commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s digital governance law, as well as several anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance
This European legislation is viewed by Washington as a type of speech restriction, whereas EU authorities argue the rules are necessary to control hate speech and disinformation.
This row threatens to become part of a far wider existing political and ideological clash between Washington and Europe.
Additional Updates in the News
In related legal developments:
- A federal judge has blocked attempts to cut security grants to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The official ruled the case was “a further instance” of tying federal aid to adherence to directives.
- Approval was given for the deployment of 350 national guard members to a major US city prior to the new year, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation.
- The nation of Palau will consent to take in a limited number of migrants from the US in return for increased assistance, following 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 the capital.
Analysts point out that comments regarding Venezuelan oil reflect a wider ideology in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.
