The EU could “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it deems “unjustified” travel bans issued by the US on five Europeans working on fighting online hate and disinformation, an EU official has said.
EU Officials Decry US Move as ‘Coercion’
Officials from Europe including Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans were placed on individuals that were central to efforts to enact legislation governing US-based technology firms.
“For too long, ideologues in Europe have led coordinated campaigns to coerce American platforms to suppress American viewpoints they oppose,” stated a senior US official online. “This government will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.”
Broad Criticism From EU Nations
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined the French president in criticizing the move.
The bans were imposed on Tuesday on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the EU’s digital governance law, along with four activists fighting false information, including two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
The DSA is seen by Washington as a type of speech restriction, while EU authorities contend the regulations are necessary to control inflammatory language and disinformation.
This row threatens to become part of a much broader ongoing cultural and political conflict involving Washington and Europe.
Other Developments Reported Today
In related judicial news:
- A US district judge has halted efforts to reduce security grants to states which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge ruled the case was “a further instance” of tying government assistance to adherence to directives.
- Approval was given for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to New Orleans ahead of the new year, coinciding with an active border security initiative.
- A Pacific Island nation will consent to accept a limited number of migrants from the US in return for additional aid, following signing a formal agreement with US authorities.
Additionally, a congressional representative has initiated legal action to demand the removal of the current president’s name from a well-known cultural institution in Washington DC.
Analysts point out that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with past foreign policy actions.
