Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, has recently faced a significant setback. The European Union fined the platform €120 million (£105 million) for issues related to its verification system. The EU claims that allowing users to pay for a blue verification badge misleads others about the account’s authenticity. They argue this can lead to scams and impersonation, creating risks for users.
Henna Virkkunen, an EU regulator, emphasized the importance of accountability in online platforms. She noted that deceiving users, obscuring advertising information, and restricting access to data for researchers are unacceptable practices in the EU. “Deceiving users with blue checkmarks and confusing ad details have no place online in the EU,” she stated.
This action marks the first enforcement under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), a set of regulations that enforce standards for content, advertising, and data privacy for tech platforms in Europe. Adhering to these regulations is crucial for platforms wanting to continue their operations in the EU.
Since Musk acquired X in late 2022, he implemented sweeping changes, including overhauling the verification process. Previously, users achieved verification by proving their identity. Now, a blue tick can be obtained through a paid subscription, leading some to question its reliability. To qualify for the blue tick, users must meet specific criteria like having an active account and a confirmed phone number.
Experts have noted that this change might unintentionally make the platform more vulnerable to scams. According to a recent report by a cybersecurity firm, around 40% of people have encountered impersonation scams on social media, highlighting the risks tied to such verification systems.
Reactions to the fine have been mixed. US Vice President JD Vance criticized the EU for targeting American companies instead of promoting free speech. This reflects a growing concern among US leaders about how certain regulations might stifle innovation and creativity in tech.
The future of X and its blue verification system remains uncertain. Musk’s goal was to increase revenue and reduce bots on the platform, but the controversy has raised more questions than answers about safety and trust in social media. As users voice their opinions online, the dialogue around digital accountability and transparency continues to evolve.
For further insights into the implications of the Digital Services Act, you can visit EU’s official report.
