European regulators have imposed a €120 million fine (around $140 million) on X for failing to comply with the European Union’s digital safety laws.
The decision was announced on Friday by the European Commission following a two-year investigation under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which sets strict standards for online platforms operating within the EU’s 27 member states.
The DSA requires tech companies to remove illegal or harmful content more quickly, introduce systems to protect users, and increase transparency around platform operations. Companies that fail to comply face heavy penalties.
Violation of Transparency Rules
The Commission said X had violated three key transparency obligations under the DSA.
This includes issues linked to its verification system — the platform’s blue checkmark — which regulators say could mislead users and expose them to fraud or manipulation.
The platform also failed to meet requirements for making advertising databases public and for providing external researchers with access to essential platform data.
Rising Tensions With Washington
The ruling may fuel tensions with former US President Donald Trump, who has previously criticised the EU’s technology regulations and warned against punitive measures targeting American tech giants.