The European Commission’s investigation into X, Elon Musk’s social media platform, has reportedly wrapped up internally, according to Handelsblatt. The findings could lead to a hefty fine amounting to millions of dollars.
If X is found in violation of the Digital Services Act (DSA), the penalty could reach as high as 6% of its global annual revenue—a staggering amount that might climb into the hundreds of millions.
While the exact fine remains uncertain, the Commission has denied officially completing the investigation, likely because any punishment of X would be politically charged. Musk, never one to mince words, has previously labeled the EU Commission as a “censorship authority.”
X has faced multiple allegations, including failing to provide researchers with adequate access to platform data and lacking transparency in its advertising practices. Another recurring claim points to the platform’s algorithms allegedly amplifying far-right content. However, these accusations have yet to be backed by solid evidence, as even the EU Parliament had to admit during a recent debate.
Despite several investigations into X since 2023, no definitive proof of wrongdoing has emerged. Nevertheless, EU officials remain firm, with Interior Minister Nancy Faeser pushing for stricter enforcement of the DSA. She aims to rally support for tougher measures at the next meeting of EU interior ministers.
US President Donald Trump, speaking at the World Economic Forum, dismissed the potential fine against X as nothing more than “a kind of tax.” He hinted at plans to contest it. Meanwhile, some EU Parliament members have gone so far as to call for a complete ban on X, escalating tensions further.
Elon Musk and his platform remain at the center of a stormy debate over free speech, transparency, and regulation. With the investigation now seemingly at a turning point, the stage is set for a showdown between the tech mogul and the European Union. Whether the fine materializes or not, this saga is far from over.
