Former European Union commissioner and technology regulator Thierry Breton has sharply criticised a recent decision by the United States to deny him a visa, describing the move as politically driven and unjust.
In a post shared on social media on Monday, Breton questioned the motives behind the decision, suggesting it echoed the climate of ideological persecution seen during America’s Cold War era. “Is McCarthy’s witch hunt back?” he wrote, hinting that the action was less about policy and more about silencing dissenting views.
The US State Department earlier confirmed that it would refuse visas to Breton and four other individuals. Officials alleged that the group had attempted to pressure American social media companies into restricting or censoring viewpoints they oppose. The announcement has sparked debate on both sides of the Atlantic about free speech, regulatory power, and political retaliation in an increasingly polarised digital world.
While Washington maintains that the decision is rooted in protecting freedom of expression, critics argue it sets a troubling precedent, especially when former regulators are targeted for actions taken during their time in public office.
Beyond political statements and diplomatic tensions, this moment reflects a deeper concern. As governments and tech platforms clash over control, regulation, and influence, individuals can become symbols in a much larger struggle. For many observers, the question is no longer just about visas, but about where the line is drawn between regulation, power, and freedom in the global digital age.
