EU Considers $1 Billion Fine Against X for Alleged ‘Disinformation’ Violations
The European Union is considering a $1 billion fine against the social media platform X for allegedly violating its law against disinformation and illicit content, according to a report by The New York Times. In addition to the fine, the EU may demand that the Elon Musk-owned company implement changes to its platform.
If imposed, the penalty would mark the first fine issued under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), a law that “regulates online intermediaries and platforms… to prevent illegal and harmful activities online and the spread of disinformation.” In a statement, X condemned the potential action, calling it “an unprecedented act of political censorship and an attack on free speech.”
“X has gone above and beyond to comply with the EU’s Digital Services Act, and we will use every option at our disposal to defend our business, keep our users safe, and protect freedom of speech in Europe,” the company said.
X CEO Linda Yaccarino added to the company’s response, saying, “This would be an egregious example of regulatory overreach. X continues to fight the attempts to stifle free speech taking place around the world, whether on our platform or off. We’re committed to protect this fundamental right for our users.”
Last year, the EU accused X of violating the DSA “in areas linked to dark patterns, advertising transparency and data access for researchers.” A report released by the EU stated that X’s system for granting “Blue checkmarks” was done in a way that “deceives users.”
“Since anyone can subscribe to obtain such a ‘verified’ status, it negatively affects users’ ability to make free and informed decisions about the authenticity of the accounts and the content they interact with,” the EU claimed.
The EU also alleged that X failed to meet transparency standards for advertising and has not provided adequate data access to researchers “in line with the conditions set out in the DSA.”
While a settlement is possible, it would likely involve X agreeing to changes demanded by the EU. If the case escalates into a legal battle, it remains to be seen how the dispute would play out between the EU and the US-based tech company.
