Elon Musk’s X fined €120m by EU in first clash under new digital laws
In a significant ruling that could escalate tensions between the European Commission and high-profile figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump, the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has been fined €120 million (£105 million) for violations of new EU digital regulations. This decision follows a prolonged investigation that lasted two years, during which the European Commission scrutinized X’s compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA). The DSA, aimed at safeguarding users and ensuring accountability among online platforms, has introduced stringent requirements for transparency and user protection in digital spaces.
The ruling specifically highlighted two major breaches by X. Firstly, the EU found that the platform had engaged in misleading practices by offering a blue tick verification badge to users, which was deemed “deceptive.” This badge, which is intended to signify authenticity and credibility, has been criticized for being misused, potentially misleading users about the legitimacy of accounts. Secondly, X was cited for a lack of transparency regarding its advertising practices. The European Commission emphasized the importance of clear and honest communication about how advertisements are presented to users, a cornerstone of the DSA’s goals to foster a safer online environment.
This ruling not only underscores the EU’s commitment to enforcing its digital laws but also raises questions about the future of X under Musk’s leadership. As the platform navigates compliance with these regulations, it may face further scrutiny and potential penalties, especially if it continues to operate in ways contrary to EU standards. Additionally, the implications of this ruling extend beyond Musk; it could also affect political figures like Donald Trump, who has been known to utilize X to communicate with his followers. As the landscape of social media regulation evolves, the ongoing developments in this case will be closely watched by both tech giants and policymakers worldwide, signaling a pivotal moment in the relationship between digital platforms and regulatory bodies.
Ruling likely to put European Commission on collision course with billionaire, and possibly Donald Trump
Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, has been fined €120m (£105m) after it was found in breach of new EU digital laws, in a high-stakes ruling likely to put the European Commission on a collision course with the US billionaire and potentially Donald Trump.
The breaches, under consideration for two years, included what the EU said was a “deceptive” blue tick verification badge given to users and the lack of transparency of its advertising.
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