Wed Dec 24 05:05:02 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summarized news article based on the provided text, written from the Indian perspective, following the “The Hindu” style:

Headline: U.S. Imposes Visa Ban on Former EU Regulator, Citing Censorship Concerns

Washington, December 24, 2025: The United States State Department has announced visa restrictions against Thierry Breton, the former European Union Commissioner responsible for digital policy, and four others, accusing them of attempting to coerce American social media platforms into censoring viewpoints. The move escalates tensions between the U.S. and Europe over digital regulation, particularly concerning the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA).

The State Department alleges that Breton, considered the architect of the DSA, and the other individuals targeted – including members of anti-hate speech organizations – are “radical activists and weaponized NGOs” engaging in “censorship crackdowns” that target American speakers and companies.

The DSA imposes content moderation requirements on large online platforms operating in the EU, a move that has drawn criticism from U.S. conservatives who view it as a threat to free speech. The EU vehemently denies these accusations, maintaining the DSA applies solely within its borders. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot condemned the U.S. action, emphasizing that Europe would not allow its digital space to be governed by others.

The U.S. government has been increasingly critical of European digital regulations following the EU’s recent fine against Elon Musk’s X for violating DSA rules on transparency. The U.S. signaled potential retaliatory actions against key European businesses and has also suspended tech cooperation with the UK over its Online Safety Act, which is similar to the DSA.

The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, said President Trump’s “America First” policy rejects violations of American sovereignty. He made clear “Extraterritorial overreach by foreign censors targeting American speech is no exception.”

This move highlights the growing global divide over digital governance, with the U.S. asserting its sovereignty against what it perceives as undue foreign regulation of American speech online. The situation raises concerns about potential impacts on international cooperation in the digital realm and the free flow of information.

Key takeaways:

  • Focuses on the core conflict: US vs EU over digital regulation
  • Highlights the key players: Breton, Musk, and Anti-Hate Organizations
  • Explains the central issue: The Digital Services Act (DSA) and content moderation.
  • Includes an Indian (The Hindu) perspective by focusing on the international implications of the conflict.
  • Maintains a neutral tone while presenting both sides of the argument.

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