USA Impose Entry Bans Against German Hate Speech Opponents

USA Impose Entry Bans Against German Hate Speech Opponents - USA Impose Entry Bans Against German Hate Speech Opponents

The U.S. government has blocked five individuals from entering the country, accusing them of pushing for online censorship. Among those banned are two German activists, Anna-Lena von Hodenberg and Josephine Ballon, who lead campaigns against digital hate speech. U.S. officials claim these measures target what they call a 'censorship-industrial complex' led by European figures.

The restrictions were announced by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who labelled the sanctioned individuals as key players in global censorship efforts. He specifically criticised von Hodenberg and Ballon, co-founders of the German NGO HateAid, which combats online violence and supports legal action against hate crimes. The organisation, established in 2018, collaborates closely with the EU on digital rights issues.

Rubio also condemned British activists Imran Ahmed and Clare Melford, both involved in campaigns against online disinformation. The U.S. administration alleges that these individuals pressure American tech platforms to silence certain viewpoints. In addition to the activists, former EU Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton was declared *persona non grata*, though no further European politicians were named in the sanctions. The bans were imposed under Executive Order 14203, signed on 6 February 2025, which also targeted International Criminal Court officials, including French judge Pascale Guillou and Canadian judge Joanne Prost. Rubio warned that more Europeans could face similar measures if they continue efforts to regulate U.S.-based platforms. The U.S. has not disclosed full details of the sanctions but framed them as a response to what Rubio described as an organised push to control free speech online. He accused European 'ideologues' of overreach, insisting that American companies should not be forced to comply with foreign censorship demands.

The entry bans mark an escalation in tensions between the U.S. and European advocates for online regulation. Five individuals now face travel restrictions, with the possibility of further sanctions. The U.S. government has made clear its opposition to what it views as foreign interference in American digital platforms.