Washington, D.C. – The United States government has announced a new visa ban targeting foreign officials who attempt to censor American citizens on social media platforms operated by US-based technology companies. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the declaration on May 28, 2025, underscoring the administration’s zero-tolerance stance toward foreign interference in American free expression.
Secretary Rubio condemned foreign officials who threaten US citizens or residents with legal action, including arrest warrants, for social media posts made on American platforms. "It is unacceptable for foreign officials to issue or threaten arrest warrants on US soil related to social media posts," Rubio stated. He emphasized that foreign demands to compel content removal or enforce global censorship policies on American social media companies will result in visa restrictions.
The policy comes as a response to increasing international legal pressures on US social media firms, notably from European, Asian, and South American governments. These governments have taken legal action and imposed penalties against American social platforms for failing to comply with their respective content regulations.
While no specific countries or individuals have been named in the announcement, Secretary Rubio noted that some foreign nationals, acting in official capacities, have engaged in unauthorized censorship targeting US users and tech companies. The United States asserts that content posted by Americans on American platforms within US jurisdiction cannot be subjected to foreign censorship demands or moderation requests.
Leading US social networks, including X (owned by Elon Musk), Facebook and Instagram (Meta), YouTube (Google), Truth Social (Trump Media), and BlueSky (Jack Dorsey), are all under the scope of this protective measure.
This new visa ban serves as a diplomatic signal reinforcing US commitment to protecting free speech rights afforded under domestic law, preventing external authorities from exerting control over content accessible within US territory.
Information sourced from official statements and Reuters inputs.
