🔗 Share this article EU Could Respond to ‘Unwarranted’ US Travel Restrictions, Spokesperson Says The EU might “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unwarranted” travel bans issued by the US on five European individuals working on fighting online hate and disinformation, an EU official stated. European Leaders Decry US Action as ‘Intimidation’ Officials from Europe including the French president charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the visa restrictions were placed on individuals that were at the heart of efforts to enact legislation regulating US-based technology firms. “For far too long, European activists have led organised efforts to pressure American platforms to punish US perspectives they oppose,” wrote a senior US official online. “The current administration will no longer tolerate such actions of censorship beyond its borders.” Broad Criticism From EU Nations Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in condemning the move. The restrictions were enacted this week on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s digital governance law, along with four anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK. An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance The DSA is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders argue the rules are essential to combat hate speech and disinformation. This disagreement threatens to become a facet of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict involving Washington and Europe. Other Developments Reported Today In other legal news: 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 stated the action was “another example” of tying federal aid to adherence to directives. Authorization was issued for the deployment of 350 national guard members to a major US city prior to the new year, alongside an ongoing immigration enforcement operation. A Pacific Island nation will consent to accept dozens of migrants from the US in return for increased assistance, following signing a formal agreement with Washington. Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action seeking the removal of a political figure’s name from a well-known cultural institution in Washington DC. Analysts have also noted that comments regarding Venezuelan oil align with a wider ideology in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.
The EU might “act quickly and firmly” in response to what it calls “unwarranted” travel bans issued by the US on five European individuals working on fighting online hate and disinformation, an EU official stated. European Leaders Decry US Action as ‘Intimidation’ Officials from Europe including the French president charged Washington of “bullying and threats”, following the visa restrictions were placed on individuals that were at the heart of efforts to enact legislation regulating US-based technology firms. “For far too long, European activists have led organised efforts to pressure American platforms to punish US perspectives they oppose,” wrote a senior US official online. “The current administration will no longer tolerate such actions of censorship beyond its borders.” Broad Criticism From EU Nations Germany, Spain, the UK and a chorus of EU officials joined France in condemning the move. The restrictions were enacted this week on an ex-European commissioner who helped draft the bloc’s digital governance law, along with four anti-disinformation campaigners, from two in Germany and two in the UK. An Escalating Conflict Regarding Governance The DSA is viewed by Washington as a form of censorship, whereas European leaders argue the rules are essential to combat hate speech and disinformation. This disagreement threatens to become a facet of a much broader existing cultural and political conflict involving Washington and Europe. Other Developments Reported Today In other legal news: 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 stated the action was “another example” of tying federal aid to adherence to directives. Authorization was issued for the deployment of 350 national guard members to a major US city prior to the new year, alongside an ongoing immigration enforcement operation. A Pacific Island nation will consent to accept dozens of migrants from the US in return for increased assistance, following signing a formal agreement with Washington. Furthermore, a Democratic lawmaker has initiated legal action seeking the removal of a political figure’s name from a well-known cultural institution in Washington DC. Analysts have also noted that comments regarding Venezuelan oil align with a wider ideology in some quarters of “economic expansionism”, drawing comparisons with historical international actions.