US Bars Visas for Former EU Official and Activists in Dispute Over Online Speech

The United States has announced visa restrictions on five individuals, including a former European Union commissioner, accusing them of attempting to pressure American social media companies into limiting speech they disagree with.

In a statement, the US State Department said those affected had sought to “coerce” US-based platforms into suppressing certain viewpoints. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the group as part of what he called a “global censorship-industrial complex,” claiming their actions targeted American companies and speakers.

Thierry Breton, the former EU technology chief, has previously been involved in public disputes with Elon Musk.

Among those named is Thierry Breton, the former EU commissioner responsible for digital policy and a key architect of the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which sets content moderation requirements for online platforms. Breton dismissed the US move as a “witch hunt,” pushing back against claims that the legislation is designed to censor political views. EU officials have repeatedly said the law aims to regulate online harms rather than restrict free expression.

The DSA has been a source of tension between Brussels and some US conservatives, particularly over its impact on large technology firms. Breton previously clashed with Elon Musk, owner of X, over compliance with EU rules. Earlier this year, the European Commission fined X €120m (£105m) over its blue tick system, saying it misled users by failing to properly verify accounts. X later blocked the Commission from advertising on the platform.

Reacting to the visa decision, Breton wrote on X: “To our American friends: Censorship isn’t where you think it is.”

Also facing visa bans is Clare Melford, head of the UK-based Global Disinformation Index (GDI). US officials accused the organisation of using American public funds to promote censorship and blacklist US media. GDI rejected the claims, calling the visa restrictions an attack on free speech and an abuse of government power.

Imran Ahmed, chief executive of the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), was also included. US officials alleged he worked closely with the previous administration to suppress American speech. The BBC has contacted CCDH for a response.

Two German activists, Anna-Lena von Hodenberg and Josephine Ballon of the organisation HateAid, were also named. In a statement, they described the US action as an attempt to silence critics and undermine human rights advocacy.

Secretary of State Rubio said the visa restrictions reflect the administration’s “America First” approach, arguing that foreign efforts to influence speech in the US represent an unacceptable overreach. The decision is likely to further strain transatlantic relations over how online content should be regulated.