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EU Issues First DSA Fine: €120 Million Against X Over Blue Checks, Ad Transparency

Brussels attaches strict compliance deadlines to the penalty, signaling sustained enforcement under the Digital Services Act.

Overview

  • The Commission found X in breach for a misleading paid blue‑check design, opaque ad library practices, and blocking approved researchers’ access to platform data.
  • X must fix its verification process within 60 working days and file an advertising‑transparency action plan within 90 days or face escalating penalties.
  • EU officials said the sum is proportionate under rules that allow fines up to 6% of global turnover and stressed the decision targets transparency rather than content moderation.
  • Broader EU investigations into X’s handling of illegal content and disinformation continue, with additional enforcement possible.
  • Elon Musk denounced the move and urged abolishing the EU, as U.S. Republican figures criticized the decision, while the Commission separately accepted TikTok commitments on ad transparency.