The European Commission has accused Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, of violating the EU’s online content regulations. The Commission’s preliminary findings suggest that X’s “verified” blue tick accounts have the potential to deceive users. Under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), the Commission conducted a seven-month investigation into X’s practices.
Back in the day, #BlueChecks used to mean trustworthy sources of information✔️🐦
Now with X, our preliminary view is that:
❌They deceive users
❌They infrige #DSA
X has now the right of defence —but if our view is confirmed we will impose fines & require significant changes. pic.twitter.com/M9tGA5pYQr
— Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) July 12, 2024
𝕏 is being threatened with hefty fines by the EU over a series of transparency issues, including allowing people to buy “checkmarks” once reserved for verified users. https://t.co/9pSmgtgZkU
— Kevin Rothrock (@KevinRothrock) July 12, 2024
The probe revealed that users could mistakenly assume the identity of those with blue tick marks was verified, while in reality, anyone can pay for a blue tick. The Commission found evidence of “malicious actors” exploiting the system. The investigation also highlighted X’s lack of transparency around advertising and failure to provide data for research use as required by EU rules.
EU says X's 'verified' checkmarks 'deceive users' https://t.co/SZ4iUNuypz via @upi
"…new verified accounts do not correspond with industry standards established under the Digital Services Act…"@ThierryBreton: "Back in the day, BlueChecks used to mean trustworthy sources…
— Timothy Caulfield (@CaulfieldTim) July 13, 2024
EU criticizes X’s verification feature
X prohibits eligible researchers from independently accessing its public data, such as by scraping, as stated in its terms of service,” the tech regulator noted. Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market, stated, “Back in the day, BlueChecks used to mean trustworthy sources of information.
Now, with X, our preliminary view is that they deceive users and infringe the DSA.”
The Commission emphasized that its rules aim to ensure “a safe and fair online environment for European citizens that is respectful of their rights, in particular freedom of expression.” X has the right to defend itself against the findings or resolve the issue by committing to changes that would ensure compliance. If found in breach of the DSA, X could face fines of up to 6% of its global annual revenue and be forced to change its operations within the bloc. The Commission is continuing its investigations into X’s practices regarding the dissemination of illegal content and how effectively it combats the spread of fake news.
Musk reacted angrily to the accusations, calling the DSA “misinformation” and arguing that it equated to “censored speech.” X’s chief executive, Linda Yaccarino, defended the company’s practices, stating, “A democratized system, allowing everyone across Europe to access verification, is better than just the privileged few being verified.
The findings come as part of the Commission’s broader efforts to regulate Very Large Online Platforms under the DSA. Formal proceedings have also been opened against TikTok, AliExpress, and Meta earlier this year.
Johannah Lopez is a versatile professional who seamlessly navigates two worlds. By day, she excels as a SaaS freelance writer, crafting informative and persuasive content for tech companies. By night, she showcases her vibrant personality and customer service skills as a part-time bartender. Johannah's ability to blend her writing expertise with her social finesse makes her a well-rounded and engaging storyteller in any setting.
