Paris, France — European leaders sharply criticized the United States after the Trump administration imposed visa bans on five European figures involved in combating online hate and disinformation, escalating tensions between Washington and key transatlantic allies. The move, announced Tuesday, targeted current and former officials and activists accused by U.S. officials of supporting censorship or unfairly regulating American technology companies.
Among those sanctioned was former European Union commissioner Thierry Breton, a central architect of the EU’s Digital Services Act, which requires large online platforms to address illegal content such as hate speech and child sexual abuse material. The administration argues the law restricts free expression and disproportionately impacts U.S.-based tech firms, an accusation EU officials strongly reject.
France, Germany, and the European Commission condemned the bans, defending Europe’s authority to regulate digital spaces within its borders. French President Emmanuel Macron said Europe would “protect its independence,” while Germany’s justice ministry called the measures unacceptable and accused Washington of mischaracterizing European constitutional systems. British officials also expressed concern while reaffirming support for free speech protections.
The dispute follows growing friction over digital regulation, including recent EU penalties imposed on Elon Musk’s X platform. Analysts say the visa bans reflect a broader shift in U.S. policy under Trump, which has openly challenged Europe’s regulatory framework and questioned the long-term reliability of transatlantic partnerships. European leaders warned the episode could further strain diplomatic ties already under pressure from disagreements over technology, trade, and governance.
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