EU accuses X of user deception with blue checkmark, Musk reacts angrily

EU Regulators Find Elon Musk's Social Media Platform in Breach of Online Content Rules

BRUSSELS - In a landmark decision, European Union tech regulators have determined that Elon Musk's social media company, X, has violated EU online content standards. This ruling, released on Friday, stems from a seven-month investigation and could result in substantial fines and significant operational adjustments for the platform.

EU's Digital Services Act at Play

These accusations are the first to be issued under the newly implemented Digital Services Act (DSA), which mandates that substantial online platforms and search engines take more robust actions to combat illegal content and threats to public security. The European Commission's preliminary findings identify several issues with X's operational practices, particularly concerning the company's dark patterns influencing user behavior, along with its lack of transparency in advertising and restricted data access for researchers.

Misleading Blue Checkmark

A central point of contention is the blue checkmark associated with X's verified accounts. According to the Commission, this checkmark, which diverges from industry standards, adversely affects users' capacity to make informed decisions about account authenticity. Historically, the blue checkmark indicated verification of a public figure's identity. However, after Musk acquired the platform, formerly known as Twitter, in 2022, the marker was changed to signify paid subscribers.

Advertising and Data Transparency Issues

The Commission also criticized X for not adhering to the DSA's requirements to maintain a searchable and reliable advertisement library, making it difficult for users to access pertinent information. Additionally, the platform was accused of obstructing researchers' access to its public data.

Potential Penalties and Company Response

X has been given several months to formulate a response to these charges. Should the company be deemed guilty of breaching the DSA, it could face fines up to 6% of its global turnover. EU industry chief Thierry Breton emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that if the preliminary view is upheld, fines will be imposed, and substantial operational changes mandated.

Elon Musk, known for his candid and often provocative remarks, responded to Breton on X, questioning the EU official's authenticity. He also alleged, in a reply to EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager, that the European Commission had proposed an "illegal secret deal" to censor speech, a deal his company did not accept, unlike other platforms.

Ongoing Investigations and Broader Implications

The Commission noted that separate investigations are underway regarding the dissemination of illegal content on X and the measures the company has taken to address disinformation. Other major platforms, including ByteDance's TikTok, AliExpress, and Meta Platforms, are also under scrutiny under the DSA's guidelines.