Breton is described by Washington as the mastermind behind the European Digital Services Act, the law that requires online platforms and Big Tech companies to enforce stricter moderation and greater transparency.
The Digital Services Act is European legislation that obligates large online platforms to take measures against disinformation and hate speech. In the United States, this law has sparked fierce criticism, particularly among conservatives who believe that right-wing opinions are suppressed by the EU LAW.
According to the U.S. Department of State, the measures target individuals and organizations seeking to compel American internet giants to suppress points of view that Europeans disagree with. Washington describes this approach as censorship.
In addition to Breton, representatives of organizations involved in combating online disinformation and hate speech have also been affected. This includes leaders from the Centre for Countering Digital Hate, the Global Disinformation Index, and the German organization HateAid.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that those involved are part of what he calls a “global censorship industrial complex.” According to him, the American measure fits within President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy and aims only to protect American sovereignty.
The implicated Europeans and organizations reject these accusations. They argue that the measures are an attempt to intimidate critics and stifle the debate around regulating major technology companies. In statements, they speak of suppression and government coercion.
Last autumn, when President Trump imposed high import tariffs on EU products, American officials hinted that Washington would be willing to reduce tariffs if the EU refrained from imposing heavy DSA fines on American companies like Facebook and X. At the time, Europeans called this “American blackmail.”
Former Commissioner Thierry Breton publicly responded to the travel ban and suggested that a witch hunt is underway. In a message on X, he wrote: “To our American friends: Censorship is not where you think it is.” He emphasized that the Digital Services Act was democratically established.
In Europe, the American decision also sparked strong reactions. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the visa refusals, calling them “intimidation” and “coercion.” According to him, the United States is undermining Europe's digital sovereignty.