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Macron Slams US Visa Bans as "Intimidation" in Digital Sovereignty Clash

French President Emmanuel Macron has strongly condemned US visa restrictions imposed on former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton and four other European figures involved in digital regulation. Macron labeled the measures as "intimidation and coercion" designed to undermine Europe's digital sovereignty, asserting that EU digital rules were established through a democratic process. The US action targets individuals from organizations focused on countering hate speech and disinformation, which US officials describe as "radical activists" suppressing American viewpoints. Macron vowed that France, alongside the European Commission and partners, will continue to defend the EU's regulatory autonomy in the digital space.

Key Points: Macron Condemns US Visa Bans on EU Figures Over Digital Rules

  • US bans EU figures' visas
  • Macron condemns as intimidation
  • Clash over digital sovereignty
  • EU defends its regulatory autonomy
2 min read

French President condemns US visa restrictions on former EU Commissioner, four others

French President Macron criticizes US visa restrictions on former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton and others, calling it an attack on European digital sovereignty.

"These measures amount to intimidation and coercion aimed at undermining European digital sovereignty. - Emmanuel Macron"

Paris, Dec 24

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday criticised US visa restrictions against former European Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton and four other European figures, calling the measures as "intimidation and coercion" aimed at undermining European digital sovereignty.

Macron's statement comes after the US announced that it is banning Breton and four other European citizens involved in curbing hate speech from US soil as part of a sanctions package targetting what it termed digital censorship.

"France condemns the visa restriction measures taken by the United States against Thierry Breton and four other European figures. These measures amount to intimidation and coercion aimed at undermining European digital sovereignty. The European Union's digital regulations were adopted following a democratic and sovereign process by the European Parliament and the Council," Macron posted on X.

"They apply within Europe to ensure fair competition among platforms, without targetting any third country, and to ensure that what is illegal offline is also illegal online. The rules governing the European Union's digital space are not meant to be determined outside Europe. Together with the European Commission and our European partners, we will continue to defend our digital sovereignty and our regulatory autonomy," he added.

The Trump administration on Tuesday revoked the US visas of UK nationals Imran Ahmed and Clare Melford, who respectively head the Centre for Countering Digital Hate and the Global Disinformation Index, Politico reported.

Germany's Anna-Lena von Hodenberg and Josephine Ballon, leaders of Hate Aid, a non-profit that monitors digital disinformation spread by far-right groups, also face visa bans.

In a statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the latest sanctions were imposed against "radical activists" who had worked to "coerce American platforms to censor, demonetise, and suppress American viewpoints."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who has lived in both the US and India, I see this as a classic power struggle. Big tech companies are based in the US, so any regulation from outside is seen as a threat. Macron is right to defend Europe's right to make its own rules. Every sovereign nation, including India, should have that right.
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Priya S
The US calling them "radical activists" for monitoring far-right disinformation is quite telling. In India, we know how dangerous online hate speech can be. Supporting organizations that track this is important for social harmony. Respect to Macron for standing up. 🙏
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Vikram M
Honestly, this feels like the US bullying its allies. Visa bans are a strong-arm tactic. If Europe can't make rules for its own digital space, what hope do countries like India have? We must learn from this and ensure our IT laws are robust and cannot be undermined by external pressure.
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Rohit P
While I support digital sovereignty, I hope the EU's regulations don't become a tool for over-censorship. We've seen in India how rules meant for safety can sometimes be misapplied. Balance is key. Free speech is important, but so is preventing real harm. A tough line to walk.
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Kavya N
Global digital governance is the need of the hour. No single country should dictate terms. The US reaction shows they want to control the narrative worldwide. India should actively participate in forming international norms for a fair and open internet.

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