The United States has announced its decision to deny visas to former European Union Commissioner Thierry Breton and four others, citing their alleged attempts to coerce American social media platforms into censoring viewpoints they oppose. Breton, a former European tech regulator, has responded to the move, suggesting that it amounts to a “witch hunt.” On social media platform X, he asked, “Is McCarthy’s witch hunt back?”
The US State Department described Breton as the “mastermind” behind the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), a significant piece of legislation that imposes content moderation and other standards on major social media platforms operating in Europe. The DSA aims to regulate online content and ensure that social media companies take responsibility for the information they host.
Breton’s comments come after the US State Department announced its decision to deny visas to him and four others, citing their efforts to “coerce” American social media platforms into censoring certain viewpoints. The move has sparked concerns about the impact of the DSA on free speech and the role of social media companies in regulating online content.
The Digital Services Act, which came into effect in 2022, requires social media platforms to implement stricter content moderation policies and transparency measures. The legislation has been seen as a significant step towards regulating online content and holding social media companies accountable for the information they host.
The US decision to deny visas to Breton and others is likely to escalate tensions between the US and the EU over issues related to online regulation and free speech. The move highlights the challenges of regulating online content in a globalized digital landscape, where different countries have different approaches to balancing free speech with the need to protect users from harmful or offensive content.
The developments will likely be closely watched by policymakers, regulators, and social media companies, as they navigate the complex issues surrounding online regulation and free speech. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the US and EU will work together to address these challenges and ensure that online platforms are safe and respectful of users’ rights.