The United States has barred five Europeans from entering the country, accusing them of leading efforts to pressure American technology companies into censoring U.S. viewpoints. The State Department announced the move on Tuesday, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio describing the individuals as “radical” activists and “weaponized” non-governmental organisations.
Rubio stated that the five had advanced foreign government censorship campaigns against Americans and U.S. companies, creating “potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences”. The action is part of a Trump administration campaign against foreign influence over online speech, using immigration law rather than platform regulations or sanctions.
The five named by Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers are: Imran Ahmed, chief executive of the Centre for Countering Digital Hate; Josephine Ballon and Anna-Lena von Hodenberg, leaders of German organisation HateAid; former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton, who was responsible for digital affairs; and Clare Melford, who runs the Global Disinformation Index.
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, those targeted will generally be barred from entering the United States, and some may face removal proceedings if already in the country. Officials said the administration could expand the list if similar foreign actions continue. Most Europeans are covered by the Visa Waiver Program, but they must complete an online application prior to arrival, meaning at least some of the five may have been flagged to the Department of Homeland Security.
