Elon Musk‘s social media platform, X, has been fined €120 million ($140 million) by the European Union for misleading users with its blue check mark verification system. The EU Commission found that X’s blue badges, which were changed from a user verification tool to a paid feature after Musk acquired the company in late 2022, were deceptive. The fine is part of the EU’s enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA), which aims to regulate online platforms.
The fine is divided into three parts: €45 million for the misleading verification ticks, €40 million for not providing data access to researchers, and €35 million for lacking transparency in advertising. The EU Commission emphasized that the fine is proportionate to the infringement and not based on the company’s annual turnover.
The decision has sparked criticism from the United States, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance urging the EU to support freedom of expression rather than targeting American companies. President Donald Trump has previously criticized European digital laws as anti-competitive.
The fine marks the first time the EU has imposed a penalty under the DSA, which has been in effect since February 2024. The DSA requires online platforms to adhere to stricter regulations, including addressing user complaints, removing illegal content, and protecting children.
X has 60 working days to announce adjustments, and it is possible that the company will challenge the decision in court.
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