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An unexpected decision shakes the relations between Europe and the United States: the Trump administration has decided to ban several European figures of digital regulation, including Thierry Breton, from entering the United States. This initiative marks a new stage in the transatlantic conflict over moderation and responsibility rules for digital platforms. What lies behind this controversial decision?
The 3 key facts not to miss
This ban, announced on December 23, aims to sanction European personalities that Washington accuses of having encouraged the censorship of American content on digital platforms. Among those affected are leading figures of European digital regulation, including Thierry Breton, former European commissioner and main actor of the Digital Services Act.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized these personalities, accusing them of pushing American platforms to limit freedom of expression, which he describes as “extraterritorial censorship.” This decision comes in an already tense climate between the two continents regarding the regulation of digital giants.
France reacted strongly to this decision, which it considers an attack on European digital sovereignty. The French government recalled that the Digital Services Act, which establishes that “what is illegal offline is illegal online,” was democratically adopted and does not aim to impose its laws on the United States.
Thierry Breton, for his part, compared this action to McCarthyism, highlighting the political nature of the sanction. This ban could have repercussions on diplomatic and commercial relations between the two powers.
The Digital Services Act (DSA) is a set of European regulations aimed at harmonizing moderation and responsibility rules for digital platforms. The goal is to ensure that illegal content is handled consistently on the internet, regardless of where it is produced or shared.
These regulations seek to hold tech companies accountable for the content distributed on their platforms. However, some measures are perceived by the United States as a potential threat to American companies, thus fueling tensions between the two continents.
Thierry Breton, former Minister of Economy in France and ex-CEO of Atos, is a prominent figure in digital regulation in Europe. As European Commissioner for the Internal Market, he played a central role in the development of the Digital Services Act, which aims to create a safer and more transparent digital environment for users.
The Digital Services Act is part of a context where Europe is trying to regain control over digital giants, often accused of not respecting local laws and escaping responsibility. This legislation is seen as a model for other regions of the world, although its implementation continues to spark international debates.