US Implements New Visa Restrictions Targeting Foreign Officials for Censorship
The United States has announced a new visa restriction policy aimed at foreign nationals who are accused of censoring American citizens and companies on social media. The policy, spearheaded by Senator Marco Rubio, will prohibit foreign officials from obtaining US visas if they are found to be complicit in actions that restrict or block the expression of protected speech by Americans online. This crackdown extends to foreign officials from various countries, including British officials, and underscores a growing concern over social media censorship. The US State Department reiterated its commitment to protect free expression, stating that it will not tolerate efforts to hinder the voices of Americans, marking a significant development in foreign policy regarding digital freedom and international diplomacy.
U.S. Department of State (.gov), Reuters, Fox News, The Guardian, Politico, Time Magazine, The Telegraph, NDTV, Al Jazeera, Financial Times