The European Union has imposed a massive €120 million fine on X (formerly Twitter), the social media platform owned by Elon Musk. This decision marks one of the most significant enforcement actions under the Digital Services Act (DSA), a law designed to regulate large digital platforms and ensure user safety, transparency, and accountability.
Why the EU Imposed the Fine
After months of investigation, European regulators concluded that X failed to comply with several DSA requirements. The violations highlighted by the EU include misleading verification practices, lack of transparency in advertising, and restrictions on researchers’ access to public data.
Misleading ‘Blue Tick’ Verification
X redesigned its verification system to allow any paying user to obtain a blue tick badge, which traditionally indicated authentic and verified personalities.
The EU found this approach deceptive because:
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It misleads users into believing an account is officially verified
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It increases risks of impersonation and misinformation
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It confuses users between genuine and paid verification
Authorities stated that this design harms user trust and violates transparency obligations.
Advertising Transparency Failure
DSA requires large platforms to maintain a clear, easily accessible database of all advertisements shown to users. This includes information about:
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Who paid for the advertisement
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Who was targeted
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Why specific users saw certain ads
X reportedly failed to provide this level of clarity, making it harder to track political ads, scam promotions, and targeted misinformation campaigns.
Blocking Researcher Access to Public Data
Independent researchers rely on platform data to study misinformation, hate speech, bot activity, and public safety risks.
The EU found that X:
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Restricted access to essential public data
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Failed to provide tools for academic or safety research
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Violated mandatory transparency norms
Regulators emphasised that blocking data access directly interferes with public-interest research.
Impact of the Fine
This €120 million penalty sends a strong message to global tech platforms. The EU has made it clear that:
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No platform is above regulation
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Transparency and safety are non-negotiable
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Violations of DSA will lead to strict action
X must now submit a comprehensive compliance plan within the specified timeframe. Failure to do so may result in more severe penalties, including higher fines or even operational restrictions in the EU.
What This Means for Users
Although daily use of X will not change immediately, the ruling may result in:
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A clearer and more reliable verification system
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Improved ad transparency
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Better protection from impersonation and scams
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Increased research into misinformation and online risks
The EU’s decision is part of a broader effort to create a safer digital world, balancing freedom of expression with user protection and platform responsibility.
