EU’s First DSA Blow: €120 M Fine for X’s “Blue Tick” & Transparency Failures

In a landmark enforcement under the Digital Services Act (DSA), the European Commission has slapped a €120 million fine on X (formerly Twitter) for failing to comply with transparency and user-safety rules. This is the first non-compliance decision since the law, which targets large online platforms, came into force.

The violations cited include allowing anyone to buy a “blue checkmark” verification badge — triggering concerns over impersonation and deception — failure to maintain a public advertising repository with clear data on who funded ads, and placing unnecessary barriers that prevent independent researchers from accessing public platform data.

For the Commission, this fine isn’t about restricting speech, it’s about enforcing baseline transparency and consumer-protection norms. As one expert noted, the fine reflects “normal, boring requirements” rather than censorship.

The decision sends a strong signal, big tech platforms now face real consequences under DSA rules. X has reportedly been given a deadline to comply or face further penalties. Meanwhile, the case is being watched closely around the world, as it could reshape how social-media giants operate across borders.

Read more - dw.com/en/eu-imposes-120-million-fine-on-elon-musks-x-for-breaking-digital-rules/a-75033724

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