On Tuesday, Washington imposed an entry ban on Breton, a key figure behind the European Digital Services Act (DSA), along with four NGO representatives dedicated to fighting online disinformation and hate speech. The U.S. government accused them of “censoring” American companies.
In response, the Commission issued a statement the following day, asserting, “The European Union is an open, rules-based internal market, with the sovereign right to regulate economic activities in accordance with our democratic values and international obligations.”
The Commission has sought “clarifications” from U.S. authorities. It warned that “if necessary, we will respond quickly and decisively to defend our regulatory autonomy against unjustified measures.”
The Commission emphasized that freedom of expression is “a fundamental right in Europe and a shared core value with the United States,” and it highlighted that its digital regulations “ensure a safe, fair, and level playing field for all companies, applied in a fair and non-discriminatory manner.”
Multiple European nations, including France, which is Breton’s home country, condemned the U.S. decision. French President Emmanuel Macron stated on X that Europeans will persist in defending their “digital sovereignty” and “regulatory autonomy.” In Germany, where HateAid leaders Josephine Ballon and Anna-Lena von Hodenberg also face the entry ban, the response was that Washington’s actions indicate that civic engagement is difficult for powerful platforms.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot expressed his “appall” on Wednesday, stating that European legislation supported by all member states is not intended as an act of hostility towards the U.S. He argued that the law is designed to ensure the same standards of safety and dignity online as in real life. “It is unacceptable to sanction individuals based on economic frustrations in the U.S.,” he asserted, emphasizing that the European Union will uphold its “sovereign right” to protect its values and citizens.
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