U.S. to deny visas to foreign officials who censor American social media content

Washington, D.C.- The U.S. will begin denying visas to foreign officials who attempt to censor American social media content, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Wednesday. This move comes amid growing tensions over international pressure on U.S. tech platforms.

Rubio said the policy aims to combat “blatant censorship” targeting American technology companies. Although he did not name specific individuals, he has previously criticized Brazilian judge Alexandre de Moraes for his actions against Elon Musk’s platform X during a political investigation involving former President Jair Bolsonaro. Rubio also voiced concerns over Germany and the UK’s hate speech regulations.

In his statement, Rubio emphasized that arrest threats or censorship demands made by foreign authorities over content posted in the U.S. are unacceptable. He stressed that such actions interfere with American sovereignty and violate freedom of expression.

Critics note that Rubio has simultaneously revoked thousands of U.S. visas from students and activists protesting Israel’s actions in Gaza. One high-profile case involved Turkish Ph.D. student Rumeysa Ozturk, who was arrested after publishing a pro-Palestinian op-ed. She was recently released by a judge following public outcry.