The European Union might “respond swiftly and decisively” against what it calls “unjustified” visa bans imposed by the US against five Europeans involved in combating digital hatred and disinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said.
European Leaders Decry US Move as ‘Coercion’
European leaders such as the French president charged Washington of “coercion and intimidation”, following the visa restrictions were placed on individuals who have been at the heart of campaigns to enact laws regulating US-based technology firms.
“For far too long, European activists have spearheaded coordinated campaigns to coerce 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 these egregious acts of censorship beyond its borders.”
Broad Criticism From EU Nations
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported the French president in condemning the decision.
The bans were imposed on Tuesday against a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s digital governance law, along with several anti-disinformation campaigners, including Germany and the United Kingdom.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
This European legislation is seen by US officials as a type of speech restriction, while EU authorities argue the regulations are necessary to combat inflammatory language and falsehoods.
This row threatens to become part of a far wider existing cultural and political conflict between Washington and Europe.
Other Developments Reported Today
In other legal news:
- A US district judge has blocked efforts to cut security grants to local governments which resist certain immigration enforcement policies. The official stated the case was “a further instance” of linking government assistance to adherence to directives.
- Approval was given for the deployment of hundreds of national guard troops to a major US city ahead of the new year, coinciding with an ongoing immigration enforcement operation.
- The nation of Palau will consent to accept dozens of migrants from the US in return for additional aid, after signing a formal agreement with US authorities.
Additionally, a congressional representative has filed a lawsuit to demand the stripping of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in Washington DC.
Analysts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a wider ideology in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with historical international strategies.
