X has violated transparency rules set by the EU’s Digital Services Act. The European Commission criticized the redesign of X’s blue checkmark, calling it “deceptive” since it went from verifying users to becoming a paid feature.
Moreover, X’s advertising library lacks essential transparency. It also doesn’t provide public data access to researchers, a requirement under the law. This fine is just one part of a larger investigation into X, which started nearly two years ago. The inquiry also looks into how X combats illegal content and misinformation, which are still ongoing.
Henna Virkkunen, the EU’s Executive Vice President for Tech Sovereignty, pointed out that while X faced a fine, TikTok received no penalty after it agreed to redesign its service. “We’re not here to impose the highest fines; we’re here to enforce our digital laws. If you follow the rules, you won’t be fined,” she said at a recent press conference.
Under the DSA, companies can be fined up to 6% of their global annual revenue. X’s revenue is in the low billions, but Elon Musk’s other ventures earn much more, potentially increasing the impact of this fine.
Recent surveys indicate that trust in social media platforms is waning. According to a 2022 report from Pew Research, 53% of Americans believe that social media does more harm than good. This growing skepticism puts more pressure on platforms like X to adhere to transparency and accountability standards.
As users become more aware, they are demanding clearer information about how their data is used. A study from 2023 found that 71% of users are concerned about their privacy on social media. This shift could reshape how platforms operate and engage with their users moving forward.
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Content moderation,Donald Trump,Elon Musk,Henna Virkkunen,JD Vance,Platforms,Social Media,United States
