The European Union has accused Elon Musk’s X.com, previously known as Twitter, of multiple violations of the Digital Services Act.
Blue Check Mark Controversy
The EU alleges that Musk’s X platform misleads users with its blue check marks for certified accounts and violates EU content rules.
Regulatory Concerns on Account Verification
An EU Commission spokesperson emphasized that account verification must not influence or manipulate users and must comply with digital service regulations.
Accessibility of Blue Badges
EU regulators expressed dissatisfaction with the accessibility of blue badges, previously reserved for verified accounts of leaders, companies, and journalists after approval.
Expansion of Verification Criteria
Following Elon Musk’s acquisition of X in 2022, anyone could obtain the verification mark by paying just $8 a month.
Additional Accusations Against X
The EU also accused X of breaking rules related to dark patterns, advertising transparency, and data access for researchers.
Dark Patterns and Advertising Transparency
The Digital Services Act prohibits dark patterns and requires advertising transparency, which the EU claims X has violated.
Allegations of Data Access Denial
X was accused of failing to grant researchers access to its public data as required by the Digital Services Act.
Musk’s Response
Musk claimed on X that the European Commission had offered X an illegal secret deal, proposing to censor speech quietly without public disclosure.
Investigations into Other Digital Giants
The European Commission is reportedly investigating TikTok, Alibaba’s AliExpress, and Meta as part of its efforts to regulate digital giants targeting users with ads.