Elon Musk’s social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), is under fire from European Union (EU) regulators for allegedly violating the Digital Services Act (DSA). According to reports, the EU is considering a fine exceeding $1 billion, citing non-compliance with strict content moderation and transparency requirements.
What is the Digital Services Act (DSA)?
The Digital Services Act (DSA) was introduced by the EU to create a safer and more transparent digital environment.
It requires major online platforms to:
- Actively combat illegal content and disinformation
- Provide transparent advertising policies
- Ensure research access to public data
Non-compliance can lead to fines up to 6% of a company’s global annual revenue, making it one of the most impactful tech regulations globally.
Allegations Against Elon Musk’s X
EU regulators have identified three major concerns regarding X’s practices:
1. Misleading Blue Checkmark System
The blue checkmark, once a symbol of verified identity, is now available through a paid subscription under Musk’s leadership.
This has raised trust issues, with the European Commission stating:
“Back in the day, Blue Checks used to mean trustworthy sources of information. Now with X, our preliminary view is that they deceive users and infringe the DSA.”
2. Lack of Advertising Transparency
The DSA requires platforms to maintain a public database of all ads, including:
- Who paid for the ad
- Who was targeted
- What message was conveyed
X allegedly lacks a proper ad transparency system, making it difficult for users and researchers to assess ad content.
3. Restricted Access to Public Data for Researchers
Researchers must be allowed access to public data to study online risks, per the DSA.
X has reportedly blocked scraping, imposed expensive API access fees, and discouraged independent research, thus violating this clause.
Elon Musk May Be Held Personally Liable
In a rare move, the EU is exploring the option of holding Elon Musk personally responsible for the violations.
This could mean that fines would be based not just on X’s revenue, but could also take into account Musk’s other companies, such as:
- SpaceX
- Neuralink
- The Boring Company
A European Commission spokesperson stated:
“Obligations under the EU platform rules are addressed to the provider of the very large online platform, which could be either a natural or legal person.”
Musk Responds – Claims “Secret Deal” Attempt by EU
Elon Musk has fired back, claiming that the EU tried to secure a “secret censorship deal” with X.
He denied the allegations and said:
“We look forward to a very public battle in court, so that the people of Europe can know the truth.”
The European Commission has denied any such claims, standing firm on their investigation and process.
What This Means for the Tech Industry
This legal battle represents a major turning point for global tech regulation.
It’s a clash between platform independence and government accountability.
If the fine goes through:
- It will set a precedent for other digital platforms
- Reinforce EU’s power to regulate non-European tech giants
- Possibly influence global standards for digital safety and transparency
Conclusion: A Landmark Case in Digital Regulation
As the EU prepares to possibly fine X over $1 billion, the world watches closely.
This case is not just about one platform—it’s about how the digital world will be governed moving forward.
It shows that innovation must walk hand-in-hand with responsibility.
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, investor, or casual user, the outcome of this case could affect the way we all interact online.
