The European Commission has issued a €120 million penalty against Elon Musk’s platform X after a lengthy investigation. Officials say the company broke several rules under the Digital Services Act, which aims to make online spaces safer and more transparent for users.
Checkmark row sparks action
Investigators focused first on the platform’s blue checkmark, once a free symbol of authenticity. It is now available for a monthly fee, creating confusion about which accounts are genuine. Regulators argue that paid checkmarks can mask bots or misleading profiles, making it harder for people to trust what they see online.
Concerns over hidden advertising
The Commission also accused X of failing to show clearly which posts are adverts. This lack of clarity can expose users to scams and makes it difficult to track who is paying for political messages. Officials warned that such gaps could seriously affect public debate during elections, especially when the true source of a message remains unclear.
Researchers denied data
Another breach concerns the company’s refusal to share basic data with researchers. Under the DSA, platforms must provide information about views and likes, helping experts study online risks. X offered no valid explanation for withholding this material.
Breakdown of the penalty
The fine includes €45 million for the checkmark issue, €40 million for blocking researcher access and €35 million for failing to maintain an open advertising register. The total is far below the DSA’s maximum penalty, which can reach 6% of a company’s global turnover.
Wider political clash
The decision has drawn political fire. US Vice President JD Vance criticised the EU, arguing the move attacks free speech. Meanwhile, two separate probes into illegal content and algorithmic recommendations on X remain active. The Commission also noted progress from TikTok, which has agreed to improve its advertising transparency system.
