EU Slaps X with Record €120 Million Fine for Deceptive Blue Checkmarks

The European Union has fined social media platform X a massive €120 million. The penalty was announced by the European Commission on December 7, 2025. It is the first major fine under the bloc’s new Digital Services Act.

The commission called X’s paid verification system “deceptive.” It argued the blue checkmarks mislead users and enable scams. X’s owner, Elon Musk, immediately denounced the decision as “bullshit.”

Why the EU Took Action Against X’s Verification

According to the ruling, X’s current blue check system fails EU standards. The commission stated it makes users vulnerable to impersonation. Paid verification, they argue, does not confirm a user’s identity or credibility.

The fine also targets X’s advertising transparency. Officials found the company’s ad repository was not compliant. It lacked the accessibility and clarity required by the new digital law.

X now has 60 days to address the verification concerns. It has 90 days to fix the ad transparency issues. Failure to comply could trigger additional penalties.

X Retaliates by Suspending EU Commission’s Ad Account

In a sharp retaliation, X moved against the regulator on its own platform. Nikita Bier, X’s Head of Product, announced the termination of the European Commission’s advertising account. He accused the EC of exploiting a bug in X’s ad tools.

Bier claimed the commission used a “dormant ad account” to post a deceptive link. He said the post was designed to artificially boost its reach. The company stated the specific exploit has now been patched.

A commission spokesperson denied any wrongdoing. They stated the body always uses social media tools in good faith. The spokesperson confirmed the EU’s paid advertising on X has been suspended since late 2023.

This landmark EU fine against X sets a major precedent for platform regulation. The contentious battle highlights the growing global clash between tech giants and digital sovereignty laws.

Info at your fingertips

How much is the X fine in US dollars?

The €120 million fine is roughly equivalent to $140 million. The exact conversion fluctuates slightly with daily exchange rates.

What was the main reason for the fine?

The primary reason was X’s “deceptive” paid blue checkmark system. The EU says it misleads users about account authenticity and increases scam risks.

How did Elon Musk react to the fine?

Musk publicly called the fine “bullshit” on his platform. He also posted a message calling for the abolition of the European Union.

What did X do to the EU’s account?

X terminated the European Commission’s advertising account. The company accused the regulator of exploiting a bug in its ad posting tool to boost reach.

What is the Digital Services Act (DSA)?

The DSA is a sweeping EU law governing online platforms. It aims to create a safer digital space by enforcing strict rules on content moderation, advertising, and algorithmic transparency.

Trusted Sources

Information for this report was gathered from authoritative news sources including Reuters and Associated Press (AP).