Thierry Breton, the European Union's former digital policy chief, has issued a forceful call for the bloc to resist pressure from the United States following his inclusion in a recent US travel ban. In his first televised remarks since the sanctions were imposed, Breton criticized the EU's initial response as "very weak, too weak" in the face of external "predators."
Sanctions Over Digital Governance
The Trump administration earlier this week imposed visa bans on Breton and several activists. The US decried their efforts to combat online hate speech, framing them as censorship targeting American technology giants. Breton, who left the European Commission in September 2024, was the chief architect and enforcer of the landmark Digital Services Act (DSA) during his tenure.
This legislation sets stringent rules for content moderation on major social media platforms operating within the EU. Breton revealed he was surprised to learn of the ban, which prevents him from traveling to the US. He emphasized that the laws he championed were backed by nearly 90% of EU lawmakers and all member states, aiming primarily to protect European users, especially children and teenagers.
A Call for European Sovereignty
Speaking on French broadcaster TF1 on Sunday, Breton framed the US action as an attempt to influence democratically passed European legislation. "They cannot force us to change laws that we voted for democratically just to please US social media platforms," he stated firmly. "No, we must stand up."
His work often brought him into conflict with tech leaders like Elon Musk, owner of platform X, and Meta Platforms Inc. Breton argued that the current geopolitical climate, with the EU surrounded by assertive powers, demands a stronger, more unified front from Brussels institutions.
Political Backing and the Road Ahead
Following the announcement of the visa restrictions, Breton said he received widespread political backing from across Europe. This support underscores the deepening transatlantic rift over technology governance and digital sovereignty.
The incident highlights the ongoing tension between the EU's regulatory ambitions and the interests of dominant US tech firms. Breton's defiant stance signals that the bloc is unlikely to retreat from its position, setting the stage for continued friction over who sets the rules for the global digital economy.
