US Bans Visas for Ex-EU Commissioner Over Alleged Censorship

The US has imposed travel sanctions on former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton and four anti-disinformation campaigners, sparking a heated debate over censorship and free speech.
The move, announced on December 24, 2025, targets individuals who have allegedly engaged in censorship and disinformation activities, according to a statement from the US Department of State.
Breton, who served as the EU's digital chief from 2019 to 2024, has been a vocal critic of the US's approach to disinformation and censorship. He has accused the US of engaging in a 'witch hunt' against him and his colleagues.
The US Department of State has not specified the exact nature of the allegations against Breton and the other individuals targeted by the visa ban.
The move has sparked a heated debate over censorship and free speech, with many accusing the US of overstepping its bounds and infringing on the rights of individuals to express themselves freely.
The US Department of State has defended the move, saying that it is necessary to protect the country's national security and prevent the spread of disinformation.
The visa ban has been met with widespread criticism from EU officials and civil society groups, who have accused the US of engaging in a 'witch hunt' against EU citizens.
The EU has called on the US to lift the visa ban and to respect the rights of EU citizens to express themselves freely.
The controversy has highlighted the complex and often contentious relationship between the US and the EU on issues related to censorship and disinformation.
The US Department of State has said that it will continue to monitor the situation and to take necessary action to protect the country's national security.
The visa ban has been met with widespread criticism from EU officials and civil society groups, who have accused the US of engaging in a 'witch hunt' against EU citizens.
The EU has called on the US to lift the visa ban and to respect the rights of EU citizens to express themselves freely.
The controversy has highlighted the complex and often contentious relationship between the US and the EU on issues related to censorship and disinformation.

Sources

[1] 'Witch hunt': Ex-EU commissioner Breton denounces U.S. visa ban targeting 'censorship'