Breton Hit by U.S. Visa Ban in Digital Services Act Clash

Source: CryptoTale Original Title: Breton Hit by U.S. Visa Ban in Digital Services Act Clash Original Link: The United States has imposed a visa ban on a former European Union commissioner, escalating tensions over the Digital Services Act (DSA). The action targets Thierry Breton and several anti-disinformation campaigners. U.S. officials say the move responds to efforts that affected American social media platforms and U.S.-based speech, placing the issue at the center of an expanding transatlantic dispute over online governance.

According to reports, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the State Department acted against five individuals involved in organized pressure campaigns. He said these campaigns aimed to force U.S. platforms to censor or suppress viewpoints.

Rubio Cites Foreign Policy Risks in Visa Ban Decision

Rubio stated that such conduct raised serious foreign policy concerns. He added that the individuals would now be barred from entering the United States under visa restriction authorities.

The Secretary of State linked the decision to President Donald Trump’s America First foreign policy. He said the administration rejects foreign actions that undermine U.S. sovereignty. Rubio described the efforts as part of a broader “global censorship-industrial complex.” He argued that foreign activists and organizations had targeted American speakers and companies through regulatory pressure.

Breton responded publicly after the visa ban became known. He defended the Digital Services Act. He said the law was approved by 90% of the European Parliament. He also noted that all 27 EU member states supported the legislation. Breton rejected claims that the DSA amounted to censorship of U.S. speech.

Rubio did not initially name the individuals affected by the restrictions. Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers later identified them in a social media post. She said the bans enforced a clear U.S. red line. Rogers described the issue as extraterritorial censorship of Americans. She said such actions were unacceptable to the U.S. government.

U.S. Names Anti-Disinformation Figures Targeted by Visa Bans

Among those named were Josephine Ballon and Anna-Lena von Hodenberg. Both are co-leaders of HateAid, a German advocacy organization. Ballon also serves on Germany’s advisory council linked to the Digital Services Act. U.S. officials said the restrictions were connected to their involvement in anti-disinformation efforts. The focus, they said, was on policy influence rather than individual expression.

Rogers has previously criticized the United Kingdom’s Online Safety Act. In a December interview, she said the law extends beyond U.K. borders. She argued it affects how U.S. citizens speak about domestic politics on U.S.-based platforms.

European officials have rejected the U.S. position. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned the visa bans. He defended the Digital Services Act as a democratically adopted law. Barrot said the legislation aligns online rules with offline legality. He stated that the DSA has no extraterritorial reach and does not regulate U.S. speech.

The Digital Services Act requires large technology firms to address illegal content. Companies that fail to comply could face heavy fines. Major platforms fall within its scope. The U.K.'s Online Safety Act introduces age verification and platform safety obligations.

The visa dispute highlights growing divisions between the United States and Europe. What began as a regulatory disagreement has moved into diplomatic territory. With travel restrictions now involved, digital policy has become a foreign policy issue. Officials on both sides continue to defend their positions as the standoff remains unresolved.