US Denies Entry to Digital Regulation Officials
The United States has imposed entry restrictions on five European officials involved in digital platform regulation, citing concerns over alleged attempts to influence American social media companies' content policies.
Among those affected is Imran Ahmed, a British national who serves as chief of the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH). Ahmed, who holds permanent US residency status, has filed a legal challenge against the Trump administration's decision in a New York district court.
The US State Department announced Tuesday that the five individuals would be denied visas, accusing them of attempting to pressure American social media platforms into censoring certain viewpoints. The department's action has drawn strong condemnation from the European Union and several member states.
Legal Challenge Filed
Ahmed's complaint names Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Under Secretary Sarah Rogers, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as defendants. The filing describes the action as an unconstitutional attempt at expulsion.
"My wife and daughter are American, and instead of spending Christmas with them, I am fighting to prevent my unlawful deportation from my home country," Ahmed stated.
Other Targeted Officials
The visa restrictions also apply to former European Commissioner Thierry Breton, who previously oversaw technology regulation at the European Commission. Breton was instrumental in developing the EU's Digital Services Act, which establishes content moderation standards for major social media platforms operating in Europe.
Additionally affected are Anna-Lena von Hodenberg and Josephine Ballon of the German nonprofit HateAid, and Clare Melford of the UK-based Global Disinformation Index.
EU Response
The European Commission has condemned the US action and is seeking clarification from American authorities. The Commission stated it would "respond swiftly and decisively to defend our regulatory autonomy against unjustified measures" if necessary.
The Digital Services Act requires major platforms to provide transparency in content moderation decisions and ensure researchers can conduct essential work, including studies on children's exposure to harmful content. However, the legislation has become controversial among US conservatives who view it as censorship of right-wing perspectives.
Ahmed's organization has previously reported increases in misinformation and hate speech on the social media platform X following its acquisition by entrepreneur Elon Musk in 2022. A California court dismissed X's lawsuit against CCDH last year.