The European Union could “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unwarranted” travel bans imposed by the US on five Europeans involved in fighting online hate and misinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said.
EU Officials Decry US Move as ‘Coercion’
Officials from Europe such as Emmanuel Macron accused Washington of “bullying and threats”, after the travel bans were placed on figures who have been central to campaigns to enact legislation governing US-based technology firms.
“For far too long, European activists have spearheaded organised efforts to coerce American platforms to suppress US perspectives they oppose,” stated the US secretary of state in a social media post. “This government will no longer tolerate such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”
Widespread Condemnation Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in condemning the decision.
The bans were imposed this week on a former EU commissioner involved in crafting the bloc’s digital governance law, as well as several activists fighting false information, from two in Germany and two in the UK.
A Deepening Dispute Over Regulation
This European legislation is seen by US officials as a type of speech restriction, whereas European leaders argue the rules are necessary to combat hate speech and disinformation.
This disagreement risks becoming part of a far wider existing cultural and political conflict involving the current US administration and Europe.
Additional Updates Reported Today
In other legal news:
- A US district judge has halted efforts to reduce security grants to states that do not comply with certain immigration enforcement policies. The judge stated 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 a major US city ahead of the new year, alongside an ongoing border security initiative.
- A Pacific Island nation will consent to accept dozens of migrants from the US in exchange for increased assistance, following signing a memorandum of understanding with Washington.
Additionally, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit to demand the removal of a political figure’s name from a well-known performing arts center in the capital.
Experts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a wider ideology in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy strategies.
