Overview
- State Department named Thierry Breton, Imran Ahmed, Anna-Lena von Hodenberg, Josephine Ballon and Clare Melford, calling Breton a “mastermind” of the EU’s Digital Services Act.
- The action was taken under a May U.S. policy targeting foreign nationals deemed to suppress speech protected under U.S. law, with enforcement routed through visa denials and travel screening systems.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the list may grow, and officials pointed to Department of Homeland Security authorities that could initiate removal proceedings for affected individuals already in the country.
- European Commission officials requested clarifications and warned they would defend EU regulatory sovereignty, while leaders in France and Germany labeled the restrictions unacceptable intimidation.
- The dispute centers on the EU’s Digital Services Act and follows the EU’s recent fine against X, with Washington also signaling potential measures against European businesses.