The United States has imposed entry bans on the leaders of the German organization HateAid, which combats online hate. The reason is alleged censorship of American online platforms. Also affected are a former EU commissioner and British NGO representatives.
The US government imposed entry bans on Tuesday against Anna-Lena von Hodenberg and Josephine Ballon, the managing directors of the Berlin-based organization HateAid. The US State Department justifies this by accusing the activists of censoring American platforms. Founded in 2018, HateAid is Germany's first nationwide counseling center against digital violence. Von Hodenberg was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit in October for her efforts.
State Secretary Sarah B. Rogers stated on X: “Our message is clear: If you dedicate your career to censoring American expressions of opinion, you are unwelcome on American soil.” Similar sanctions target former EU Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton, who until September 2024 was responsible for EU digital laws like the Digital Services Act, as well as British NGO representatives Imran Ahmed from the Center for Countering Digital Hate and Clare Melford from the Global Disinformation Index.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized on X: “For too long, ideologues in Europe have led organized efforts to force American platforms to punish American viewpoints that don't suit them.” The measures follow an EU fine of 120 million euros against Elon Musk's platform X for transparency shortcomings. Rubio called it an “attack on all American tech platforms and the American people by foreign governments” and threatened to expand the list.
The sanctions highlight tensions between the US and EU over internet regulation. HateAid collaborates with the EU to combat online hate crimes.
