How a French judge was digitally cut off by the USA

US Sanctions and Digital Cut‑Off

• The judge was sanctioned under a US executive order targeting the ICC, triggering automatic deplatforming: US tech/services (Amazon, Airbnb, PayPal, Expedia, etc.) and many non‑US banks cut him off, especially for USD transactions.
• Commenters note this isn’t new: any transaction touching USD or US‑integrated finance falls under US rules, even between non‑US parties abroad.
• Some argue it’s “legal but not OK”: companies are compelled to comply or face huge fines; others say US firms are free to choose their customers, and foreign states could in theory retaliate by banning US firms.

America’s Moral Standing and Historical Hypocrisy

• Large subthread debates whether the US ever “took the law seriously” or merely projected that image via propaganda.
• Examples cited: the “Hague Invasion Act,” non‑ratification of ICC jurisdiction, Nuremberg selectivity (Holocaust vs US/Japanese/USSR actions), Jim Crow and Native American genocide.
• Some Americans insist many citizens genuinely believe in ideals like rule of law and fair play; others respond that foreign policy and historical practice show a persistent “rules for thee, not for me” pattern.

ICC, International Law, and Gaza

• Disagreement on the ICC: some dismiss it as naïve and powerless; others say it matters for norm‑setting, travel constraints, and future accountability, and is no more “useless” than other international tribunals.
• Several point out the ICC clearly has jurisdiction over Gaza via Palestinian accession, though territorial nuances are acknowledged.
• Gaza casualties and destruction are heavily discussed, with links arguing the Health Ministry’s numbers are broadly credible and likely undercounts; a minority insists they’re Hamas‑controlled and inflated.

EU Leverage, Blocking Statute, and Sovereignty

• The judge calls for activating an EU “blocking regulation” that would forbid EU firms from honoring US sanctions that conflict with EU interests, making them liable for damages in Europe.
• Many doubt the EU will use it against the US (it declined to fully use similar tools over Iran), citing dependence on US defense and divisions over Russia/Ukraine.
• Others argue this episode should accelerate EU “digital sovereignty”: reducing reliance on US clouds, payment rails, and Big Tech, though political will and corruption are seen as major obstacles.

Sanctions, Infrastructure Centralization, and Blowback

• Commenters highlight how US control of the dollar, SWIFT, and major tech platforms creates global “choke points” that can be turned on individuals for political reasons.
• Some predict overuse will erode US leverage, pushing China and the EU to build alternatives (as happened with rare earths and semiconductors); others say current gaps (e.g., EUV lithography, finance) remain large.