The United States has imposed visa restrictions on a group of senior European officials, accusing them of actions that Washington says undermine free expression and target American viewpoints online.
The measures are linked to a growing dispute over the European Union’s digital regulations, which require large technology platforms to remove certain content and comply with strict oversight rules. US officials argue that these policies risk censorship and disproportionately affect US-based companies and voices.
European leaders rejected the accusations, defending the bloc’s digital framework as necessary to combat illegal content, disinformation and online harm. Officials stressed that the rules apply equally to all companies operating within the EU and are designed to protect users while upholding democratic values.
The move prompted strong reactions across Europe, with several governments warning that the visa bans could strain transatlantic relations. Emmanuel Macron and other EU leaders reiterated support for the bloc’s regulatory approach, framing it as a matter of digital sovereignty rather than censorship.
The dispute has also drawn attention to differing interpretations of free speech between the US and Europe, particularly in the regulation of online platforms. Analysts say the clash highlights broader tensions over technology governance, trade, and political influence in the digital sphere.
Despite the escalation, officials on both sides signalled that dialogue remains possible. Observers noted that the outcome of the dispute could have lasting implications for global internet regulation and future cooperation between the US and its European allies.
