Federal Government: US sanctions against HateAid unacceptable
Criticism of entry bans imposed on managing directors of organisation that combat online hate
Berlin (dpa) – The European Commission and representatives of the German government have rejected accusations of censorship by the US administration and sharply criticised entry bans imposed on the managing directors of the German advisory organisation against online hate, HateAid, and other Europeans.
Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig said decisions on “the rules by which we want to live in the digital space in Germany and Europe” are not made in Washington. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described the entry bans as unacceptable. Writing on X, Wadephul said the Digital Services Act, which has been sharply attacked by the US administration, ensures that “what is illegal offline is also illegal online”. It was democratically adopted by the EU for the EU and does not have extraterritorial effect, he stressed. “We want to resolve differing views with the United States through transatlantic dialogue in order to strengthen our partnership.”
French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X: “These measures amount to intimidation and coercion aimed at undermining Europe’s digital sovereignty.” The European Commission under Ursula von der Leyen threatened retaliatory measures, saying it strongly condemned the US decision and had requested clarification.
HateAid provides psychological and legal support for people who suffer online discrimination, insults, threats or attacks. In October, Anna-Lena von Hodenberg was awarded Germany’s Order of Merit for her work.