The European Commission has imposed a €120 million ($140 million) fine on X, accusing the platform of failing to comply with the Digital Services Act (DSA), the EU’s landmark law requiring tech companies to curb hate speech, misinformation, and harmful content.
Regulators said X did not implement adequate systems to remove illegal posts and misinformation, making it the first major sanction under the DSA. The fine underscores growing EU pressure on Big Tech to meet strict content moderation standards.
“Dominant platforms must not ignore their responsibilities. The DSA is clear: protect users or face consequences,” the Commission stated.
Meanwhile, TikTok reached a settlement with EU regulators after facing scrutiny over its data practices and content moderation. The company agreed to concessions, including stricter transparency measures and enhanced safeguards for minors, avoiding a financial penalty this time.
Key Points
X fined $140m for breaching EU content rules under the DSA.
TikTok settles by agreeing to concessions, avoiding a fine.
The case highlights the EU’s aggressive enforcement of digital regulations.
Analysts warn that U.S.-EU tensions may rise, as Washington has criticized Europe’s heavy-handed approach to regulating American tech firms.
Industry experts say the ruling against X could set a precedent, with other platforms like Meta, Google, and TikTok under close watch. The settlement with TikTok shows regulators are willing to negotiate compliance but will not hesitate to impose fines if violations persist.
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