Hey folks! 🚀 Big news from across the pond: the EU, France & Germany just slammed the US for slapping visa bans on European citizens who have been fighting online hate and disinformation. Talk about a flashpoint in the free-speech debate! 💥
This week, the US President Donald Trump’s administration imposed bans on five Europeans, including Thierry Breton—one of the architects of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). The US says these folks are “censoring free speech” or over-regulating Silicon Valley giants. Brussels calls that “unjustified” and warns it can “respond swiftly and decisively.” ⚖️
Other figures hit by the bans include UK-based Imran Ahmed (Center for Countering Digital Hate), Germany’s HateAid co-founders Anna-Lena von Hodenberg & Josephine Ballon, and Clare Melford of the Global Disinformation Index. 🌍
Here’s why it matters: the DSA is a landmark law that forces big tech to tackle hate speech, child abuse content and misinformation. Washington argues it unfairly targets US companies and citizens. Brussels insists protecting its online space is non-negotiable. 🤝🔥
This clash goes beyond visas—it highlights growing rifts between Washington and Europe over free speech, defense, immigration, far-right politics, trade and even the Russia-Ukraine war. Kinda like the debates we see in South Asia and Southeast Asia around social media rules and digital rights. 🌏💡
What’s next? The EU is demanding more info from Washington. If talks stall, Brussels could hit back with its own countermeasures. So keep your eyes peeled—this could reshape how democracies worldwide manage online speech and regulate Big Tech. 👀📲
Over to you: do you think the US went too far, or is the EU overstepping by policing the internet? Sound off in the comments! 💬👇
Reference(s):
EU, France, Germany slam US visa bans as 'censorship' row deepens
cgtn.com
