Trump team weighs sanctions against EU officials, Reuters reveals reason
Photo: Donald Trump, President of the United States (Getty Images)
The administration of US President Donald Trump is considering imposing sanctions against the European Union or EU officials responsible for enforcing the Digital Services Act (DSA), Reuters reports.
According to the outlet, the move stems from US complaints that the law censors Americans and creates costs for US tech companies.
Two Reuters sources said that State Department officials have not yet made a final decision on sanctions. If the measure goes ahead, it will most likely take the form of visa restrictions.
It is not yet clear which EU officials or representatives of member states could be targeted. However, according to the sources, American officials already discussed the issue in internal meetings last week.
Reuters notes that the Trump administration’s relations with the European Union are already strained due to tariff threats, difficult trade negotiations, and Washington’s criticism of EU policies toward American tech companies.
A State Department spokesperson declined to confirm or deny possible restrictive measures.
"We are monitoring increasing censorship in Europe with great concern, but have no further information to provide at this time," the spokesperson said.
The Digital Services Act
The Digital Services Act (DSA) is an EU law that sets rules for online platforms to make the internet safer.
It requires large companies, such as social networks and online marketplaces, to quickly remove illegal content (such as child abuse material, hate speech), ensure transparency in advertising and algorithms, and combat disinformation, while also protecting freedom of expression.
The law came into force in the EU in August 2023. At the time, EU Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton said that social media companies had been given sufficient time to adapt to the changes.
