• The US will refuse visas to foreign officials who censor Americans, announced Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
• This policy targets officials demanding content moderation from American tech platforms.
• Rubio stated that such censorship actions undermine the rights and freedoms of Americans.
• There are no named officials yet, but actions may focus on controversial figures like Brazilian judge Alexandre de Moraes.
• These restrictions fall under the Immigration and Nationality Act and may escalate tensions with foreign governments.

On May 28, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new visa restriction policy aimed at foreign officials believed to engage in censorship against Americans. He emphasized that it is "unacceptable" for these officials to threaten arrest warrants on U.S. citizens over their social media posts while on U.S. soil, aiming to safeguard free speech and protect individuals from unwarranted foreign influence, according to Reuters and The Hill.

Rubio described the crackdown as necessary given recent incidents where foreign officials have taken what he called "flagrant censorship actions." He elaborated that demanding content moderation from American tech platforms extends beyond their authority and infringes on U.S. sovereignty, reflecting concerns shared by multiple sources, including South China Morning Post and Al Jazeera.

While specific officials who might be affected by the policy were not named, Rubio suggested potential action against Brazilian Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes, who has been involved in content regulation disputes with American tech firms. This reflects a broader criticism of international actors pushing for stricter online content regulations, as stated by Channel News Asia and Newsweek.

Rubio's announcement comes amidst broader efforts by the U.S. government to control narratives and protect American interests abroad, including actions that have raised concerns over civil liberties, particularly regarding international students engaged in political discourse. Critics have expressed apprehension that such policies might chill dissent and curtail freedoms on both sides of the Atlantic, noted by Dawn and Al Jazeera.