On May 28, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed new visa restrictions aimed at foreign individuals who suppress the free speech rights of Americans, primarily targeting actions taken outside the United States. The policy emerged amid disputes over content moderation with Brazil’s Supreme Court and European regulators, highlighting tensions over online speech.
The restrictions focus on officials penalizing or issuing arrest warrants against U.S. citizens on U.S. soil and demand American tech firms to moderate content globally. Rubio condemned Alexandre de Moraes’ actions as “authoritarian” and stated the U.S. will not tolerate “encroachments upon American sovereignty” undermining free speech.
The move signals escalating global clashes over digital governance, with potential sanctions and strained relations alongside paused student visas pending new social media screening rules.
