The United States government has barred five European individuals from entering the country, accusing them of pressuring American technology companies to censor or suppress viewpoints from the United States. The decision, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration to counter what it describes as foreign influence over online speech. The five individuals include a former European Union commissioner and leaders of organizations focused on combating digital hate and disinformation.

The administration claims these figures were involved in advancing foreign government censorship campaigns against Americans and American companies, which officials argue could have serious foreign policy consequences. The new visa restrictions, enacted under immigration law, mark a shift from previous efforts that relied on platform regulations or sanctions. The list of barred individuals could be expanded if similar actions by foreign actors continue, officials said.

While most Europeans can travel to the United States without a visa, they must still complete an online application, and the barred individuals are expected to be flagged by the Department of Homeland Security. This move follows other recent visa restrictions targeting visitors from various regions, reflecting a tougher stance on foreign influence and speech-related issues.