BRUSSELS (AP) — France, Germany, the EU, and the UK expressed strong disapproval this week over a U.S. travel ban targeting five European figures linked to tech regulation. The ban, announced by the Trump administration, claims these individuals pressured tech companies to censor American viewpoints.
The European Commission, responsible for overseeing tech laws in the EU, quickly demanded clarification from the U.S. government, emphasizing that any “unjustified measures” would be challenged. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled the five Europeans as “radical” activists from “weaponized” NGOs.
Among those banned is Thierry Breton, a former EU commissioner who has clashed with tech moguls like Elon Musk regarding content regulations. This ban is part of a broader shift in U.S. policy aimed at combatting what the Trump administration perceives as foreign-led censorship of American voices.
Rubio stated on X, “Ideologues in Europe have long tried to coerce U.S. platforms into silencing American views.” He asserted that the administration will now confront these “egregious acts” of what he calls extraterritorial censorship.
In response, the European Commission reiterated that the EU is committed to a safe and fair digital marketplace, guided by democratic values and international commitments. French President Emmanuel Macron voiced his support for Breton, pledging to defend European interests against foreign pressures. He stressed that EU digital regulations are established through a democratic process, not imposed from outside.
The other individuals banned include:
- Imran Ahmed, head of the Center for Countering Digital Hate
- Josephine Ballon and Anna-Lena von Hodenberg, leaders of the German group HateAid
- Clare Melford, of the Global Disinformation Index
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul criticized the bans, stating they were “not acceptable” and emphasized the need for dialogue with the U.S. about the EU’s position on digital regulations. EU Council President António Costa also labeled the bans as “unacceptable between allies.” The U.K. government acknowledged each country’s right to set its visa rules but advocated for institutions that work to keep the internet free from harmful content.
This travel ban stems from a new visa policy initiated in May, which targets those perceived to be involved in censoring free speech in the U.S. Rubio claims these individuals have contributed to campaigns that suppress American discourse, which could harm U.S. foreign policy.
The EU is firm in its stance on protecting freedom of expression and encouraging a balanced regulatory environment. As observed by Sarah Rogers, the U.S. under secretary of state for public diplomacy, Breton has been instrumental in crafting the EU’s Digital Services Act. This legislation aims to ensure user safety online by demanding platforms identify and manage harmful content effectively.
Breton’s response on X noted that the Digital Services Act was unanimously approved by all 27 EU member states in 2022. He remarked, “To our American friends: ‘Censorship isn’t where you think it is.’”
As this story unfolds, it highlights the ongoing tensions between U.S. and European approaches to digital governance and free speech, revealing deeper issues about global influence in the online space.
For more on digital regulation and international policies, visit the U.S. State Department’s official page on their visa restriction policy.
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