UK Social Media Campaigners Among Five Denied US Visas in Free Speech Dispute

Two UK based social media campaigners are among five international figures who have been denied entry to the United States after being accused by the US State Department of attempting to pressure American technology companies over content moderation. The move has sparked criticism from political leaders and renewed debate over free speech and online regulation.

Imran Ahmed, head of the Centre for Countering Digital Hate, and Clare Melford, chief executive of the Global Disinformation Index, were both refused visas. US authorities claimed the group sought to coerce American tech platforms into restricting speech, a charge both campaigners strongly reject.

The two were labelled radical activists by the administration of Donald Trump, which has taken a harder stance against what it sees as foreign interference in US free speech debates. Alongside the British campaigners, a former French European Union commissioner and two senior members of a Germany based anti online hate organisation were also denied entry.

Supporters of the decision argue that foreign advocacy groups should not influence how US companies regulate speech. Critics, however, say the move risks silencing experts who work to combat online hate, harassment, and coordinated disinformation campaigns.

Emmanuel Macron condemned the visa denials, describing them as intimidation and warning they could damage international cooperation on digital safety. Civil society groups have echoed those concerns, saying global challenges like online extremism require cross border collaboration.

The campaigners insist their work focuses on research and transparency rather than censorship. They argue that holding platforms accountable for harmful content is compatible with free expression, not a threat to it.

As tensions grow between governments, tech firms, and activists, the case highlights how deeply contested the rules of online speech have become. What was once a technical debate is now firmly embedded in global politics, with visas and borders becoming part of the battle over how the digital public square should be governed.