The EU could “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it deems “unwarranted” travel bans imposed by the US against five Europeans working on fighting online hate and misinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said.
European Leaders Condemn US Action as ‘Intimidation’
European leaders such as the French president accused the US administration of “bullying and threats”, following the travel bans were placed on figures that were at the heart of efforts to enact legislation regulating American tech companies.
“For far too long, ideologues in Europe have spearheaded organised efforts to coerce American platforms to suppress US perspectives they disagree with,” wrote a senior US official online. “The current administration 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 France in condemning the decision.
The bans were imposed on Tuesday on a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s digital governance law, along with several anti-disinformation campaigners, from Germany and the United Kingdom.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
This European legislation is seen by US officials as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders contend the rules are essential to combat inflammatory language and falsehoods.
This disagreement risks becoming a facet of a much broader ongoing cultural and political conflict involving Washington and European institutions.
Other Developments Reported Today
In other legal developments:
- A US district judge has halted efforts to cut security grants to states which resist specific federal immigration rules. The judge ruled the case was “another example” of linking government assistance to adherence to directives.
- Approval was given for the dispatch of 350 national guard members to New Orleans ahead of the new year, alongside an ongoing border security initiative.
- The nation of Palau has agreed to accept dozens of migrants from the US in return for additional aid, after signing a formal agreement with US authorities.
Furthermore, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit to demand the removal of the current president’s name from a prominent cultural institution in the capital.
Experts point out that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a broader belief in certain circles of “resource imperialism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.
