The European Union could “respond swiftly and decisively” in response to what it calls “unwarranted” travel bans issued by the United States against five European individuals working on combating online hate and misinformation, an EU official has said.
European Leaders Condemn US Move as ‘Intimidation’
Officials from Europe such as Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “coercion and intimidation”, after the travel bans were placed on figures that were at the heart of efforts to enact legislation regulating US-based technology firms.
“For too long, European activists have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to pressure US companies to punish American viewpoints they oppose,” stated the US secretary of state in a social media post. “This government will not stand for such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”
Widespread Condemnation Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in condemning the move.
The bans were enacted this week on a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s digital governance law, along with four activists fighting false information, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance
The DSA is seen by US officials as a form of censorship, whereas EU authorities argue the rules are necessary to control inflammatory language and disinformation.
This row threatens to become a facet of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict between Washington and Europe.
Other Developments in the News
In related judicial developments:
- A federal judge has halted efforts to cut federal homeland security funding to local governments that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge ruled the case was “a further instance” of linking government assistance to policy compliance.
- Approval was given for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city ahead of the holiday period, alongside an active border security initiative.
- The nation of Palau will consent to take in a limited number of individuals from the US in return for increased assistance, after concluding a formal agreement with Washington.
Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit seeking the stripping of the current president’s name from a prominent performing arts center in the capital.
Experts point out that recent statements regarding Venezuelan oil align with a broader belief in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.
