The European Union could “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unwarranted” travel bans issued by the United States against five Europeans working on combating online hate and misinformation, a European Commission spokesperson has said.
EU Officials Condemn US Action as ‘Coercion’
Officials from Europe including the French president charged the US administration of “coercion and intimidation”, after the travel bans were placed on figures who have been central to efforts to enact laws governing American tech companies.
“For far too long, ideologues in Europe have led organised efforts to coerce American platforms to suppress US perspectives they disagree with,” stated the US secretary of state online. “The current administration will no longer tolerate such actions of extraterritorial censorship.”
Broad Criticism Across Europe
Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials supported the French president in criticizing the decision.
The bans were enacted this week against an ex-European commissioner involved in crafting the EU’s digital governance law, as well as four activists fighting false information, including Germany and the United Kingdom.
An Escalating Conflict Over Regulation
This European legislation is seen by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders contend the rules are necessary to combat hate speech and disinformation.
This disagreement risks becoming a facet of a much broader ongoing political and ideological clash between the current US administration and Europe.
Other Developments Reported Today
In related legal news:
- A US district judge has halted efforts to cut federal homeland security funding to states that do not comply with specific federal immigration rules. The judge ruled the case was “a further instance” of linking government assistance to policy compliance.
- Approval was given for the deployment of 350 national guard members to New Orleans prior to the holiday period, coinciding with an active immigration enforcement operation.
- The nation of Palau will consent to take in a limited number of individuals from the US in return for increased assistance, after signing a formal agreement with Washington.
Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of a political figure’s name from a well-known cultural institution in Washington DC.
Experts point out that comments regarding foreign petroleum resources reflect a wider ideology in some quarters of “resource imperialism”, drawing comparisons with past foreign policy strategies.
