The European Union (EU) has imposed a hefty fine of 120 million euros (approximately 1,080 crore rupees) on Elon Musk’s social media platform X for alleged violations of digital regulations. X is accused of misleading users with its blue tick design, lacking transparency in its advertising database, and hindering data access for researchers.
X Faces €120M Penalty Over Misleading Blue Checkmark
New Delhi: The European Union has taken its biggest action yet under the Digital Services Act (DSA) against Elon Musk's social media platform X. The EU Commission stated that the platform violated several rules regarding transparency and user safety, resulting in a penalty of 120 million euros, or approximately 1,080 crore rupees. This decision comes after investigations found that X's blue tick system and advertising practices could mislead users.
The EU has labeled X's blue checkmark a “deceptive design.” According to the investigation, this system confuses users about which accounts are genuinely verified and which have simply received the badge based on payment. This increases the risk of fake accounts, scams, and information manipulation. The Commission states that X's design violates EU online safety standards and erodes trust in the platform.
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Under DSA rules, every digital platform is required to make a complete and transparent database of its advertisements publicly available including information on who placed the ads, who they targeted, and their purpose. However, the EU found that X's advertising database was slow to access, incomplete, and at times misleading. This makes it difficult for researchers to investigate false or politically motivated advertisements. Unnecessary Obstacles to Data Access for Researchers
The EU investigation also revealed that the X platform has made data access extremely difficult for researchers. According to the Commission, X restricted access to several data points and APIs, which violates the transparency principles of the DSA. The EU's Executive Vice-President stated emphatically: “Actions such as deception, concealing advertising, and hindering research will not be tolerated under European digital laws.”
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This EU decision sends a strong message not only to X but also to digital platforms worldwide that transparency, user safety, and truthfulness cannot be compromised. Any platform that fails to comply with these standards will face substantial fines.
