WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department announced Tuesday it was banning five Europeans it accused of leading efforts to pressure U.S. technology firms to censor or suppress American views.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not name those he said were not behind a new visa policy announced in May to restrict the entry of foreigners deemed responsible for censorship of protected speech in the United States. He identified them only as “radical” activists and “armed” non-governmental organizations.
“For too long, ideologues in Europe have led organized efforts to force American platforms to punish opposing American views,” Rubio posted on X. “The Trump Administration will no longer tolerate these egregious acts of extraterritorial censorship.”
The five Europeans were later identified by Sarah Rogers, the undersecretary of state for public diplomacy, in a series of posts on social media. They include a former commissioner of the European Union and the leaders of organizations that address digital hate.
Rubio’s statement said foreign government censorship campaigns against Americans and American companies had advanced, which he said created “potentially serious negative foreign policy consequences” for the United States.
The move to ban them from the United States is part of a Trump administration campaign against foreign influence on online speech, using immigration law rather than platform regulations or sanctions.
The five named by Rogers are: Imran Ahmed, chief executive of the Center to Combat Digital Hate; Josephine Ballon and Anna-Lena von Hodenberg, leaders of HateAid, a German organization; 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 are generally 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, which means they do not necessarily need visas to enter the country. However, they are required to fill out an online application prior to arrival under a system run by the Department of Homeland Security, so it is possible that at least some of these five people have been flagged to DHS, a US official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss details not publicly released.
Other visa restriction policies were announced this year, along with bans targeting foreign visitors from certain African and Middle Eastern countries and the Palestinian Authority. Visitors from some countries may be required to post a financial bond when applying for a visa.
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Associated Press Diplomatic Writer Matthew Lee contributed to this report.