[Source/Observer Network Qi Qian] Local time on May 28, US Secretary of State Rubio continued to tighten visa policies and announced a visa ban for those identified as "foreign officials and individuals involved in reviewing American citizens."

Reuters believes that although Rubio did not list any specific review cases, this move may target foreign officials who regulate American technology companies, especially EU officials. Previously, American technology companies and the Trump administration challenged the EU over its regulation of social media platforms, accusing it of censorship and threatening heavy fines.

"For a long time, Americans have been fined, harassed, or even charged by foreign authorities for exercising their freedom of speech," Rubio posted on X platform that day. The new visa restriction policy will apply to "foreign officials and individuals involved in reviewing Americans," and emphasized that foreign governments have no right to interfere with Americans' freedom of speech.

Rubio continued, "Those foreigners who are committed to harming the rights of American citizens should not enjoy the privilege of traveling to our country. Whether they come from Latin America, Europe, or elsewhere, the days when those who harm the rights of American citizens go unpunished are over."

On the same day, Rubio stated in a declaration released by the US Department of State that in certain cases, foreign officials took openly restrictive actions against American technology companies, American citizens, and residents without authorization, which was "disturbing" and "unacceptable."

Screenshot of Rubio's tweet

The report believes that Rubio's above statement mainly targets the EU. Previously, the EU reviewed American social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X under the Digital Services Act and threatened huge fines, causing dissatisfaction among American technology giants and the Trump administration. EU officials defended the Digital Services Act, stating that it aims to maintain a healthy online environment.

Rubio made this announcement before meeting German Foreign Minister John Vardel in Washington. The EU has been seeking a trade agreement with the US to avoid President Trump's threat to impose a 50% tariff on EU imports.

Meanwhile, Trump administration officials repeatedly condemned the suppression of right-wing politicians by Romania, Germany, and France, accusing European authorities of reviewing critical opinions about immigration under the guise of combating misinformation. In February, Vice President Vance in Paris condemned EU content reviews, calling them "authoritarian censorship." Rubio previously stated that the EU's threat to freedom of speech is an attack on important shared values in the transatlantic relationship.

A US Department of State official who wished to remain anonymous told Reuters that officials from the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor will visit France and Ireland this week to pressure these governments to respect freedom of speech.

An EU Commission spokesperson responded that this statement "appears to be a general statement" and refused further comment.

In addition, Brazil has had conflicts over content reviews with the X platform. Last year, Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes of Brazil requested X to block accounts spreading false information. After X refused, it was once banned in Brazil. Currently, X has resumed operations after paying the fine.

Trump's media company and video-sharing platform Rumble also sued Moraes because the judge ordered the deletion of the account of Allan dos Santos, a U.S. supporter of former Brazilian President Bolsonaro. Rumble CEO welcomed the latest visa ban and called "enemies of free speech around the world are trying to infiltrate America."

An anonymous source told Reuters that the Brazilian government is waiting to fully understand the target groups and scope of the visa ban.

This article is an exclusive contribution from Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7509707842555757071/

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