EU Demands Clarification After U.S. Imposes Visa Bans Over Digital Rules

Brussels says the Digital Services Act reflects EU sovereignty, warning of a rapid response if Washington fails to justify the move.

Overview

The U.S. barred entry to five Europeans, including former EU commissioner Thierry Breton, Imran Ahmed, Anna-Lena von Hodenberg, Josephine Ballon and Clare Melford.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio framed the targets’ work and the EU’s Digital Services Act as extraterritorial censorship that harms U.S. speech and companies.
EU institutions, France and Germany condemned the restrictions, and the European Commission formally requested explanations from U.S. authorities.
The dispute follows stepped-up DSA enforcement, including a €120 million fine against X this month, which U.S. officials cited as aggravating tensions.
Imran Ahmed filed a U.S. lawsuit challenging the sanctions, won a temporary block on deportation and secured a preliminary hearing set for Monday.