The European Union fined Elon Musk’s X platform 120 million euros ($140 million) for violating the Digital Services Act, marking the first major penalty under the bloc’s sweeping online content rules.
Regulators said X misled users with its blue checkmark system, failed to maintain a transparent ad library, and did not give researchers access to required public data. TikTok avoided a fine after agreeing to reforms.
The ruling is expected to escalate tensions with Washington. The Trump administration has repeatedly criticized Europe’s tech clampdown as discriminatory toward U.S. firms.
Elon Musk’s X Hit With $140 Million Fine In Europe For 'Deceptive Design'https://t.co/YfoJqpyWQl pic.twitter.com/vdCb7YHNbI
— Forbes (@Forbes) December 5, 2025
EU officials rejected that claim, arguing the DSA protects consumers and democratic norms rather than targeting nationalities.
X must propose compliance measures within roughly 60 to 90 working days. U.S. Vice President JD Vance accused Brussels of punishing X for “not engaging in censorship,” while EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen insisted the fine was proportionate and unrelated to free speech. Further investigations into X and TikTok remain underway.
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TIPP Staff
