The EU might “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it calls “unjustified” travel bans issued by the US against five Europeans involved in fighting digital hatred and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson stated.
EU Officials Decry US Move as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe including the French president accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans targeted figures that were central to campaigns to enact legislation regulating US-based technology firms.
“For far too long, European activists have led organised efforts to pressure American platforms to punish American viewpoints they disagree with,” wrote a senior US official in a social media post. “The current administration will no longer tolerate such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”
Widespread Condemnation Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported the French president in condemning the decision.
The restrictions were imposed this week against a former EU commissioner who helped draft the EU’s digital governance law, along with several anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance
This European legislation is seen by US officials as a type of speech restriction, whereas European leaders argue the regulations are essential to combat hate speech and disinformation.
This row risks becoming a facet of a far wider existing cultural and political conflict involving the current US administration and Europe.
Additional Updates Reported Today
In other judicial news:
- A US district judge has blocked attempts to cut security grants to states that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The official stated the action was “a further instance” of tying federal aid to adherence to directives.
- Authorization was issued for the deployment of 350 national guard members to a major US city ahead of the holiday period, coinciding with an ongoing border security initiative.
- The nation of Palau will consent to accept dozens of individuals from the US in exchange for additional aid, following signing a formal agreement with Washington.
Furthermore, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of the current president’s name from a well-known performing arts center in the capital.
Experts point out that recent statements regarding foreign petroleum resources align with a broader belief in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, leading to parallels with historical international actions.
