A recent statement from the European Commission states that the social network X (formerly Twitter) is misleading users with paid blue check marks. Sanctions could be issued soon.
Will Elon Musk have to pay up again following his acquisition of Twitter? The social network, renamed X, has undergone multiple changes since its acquisition by the multi-billionaire and owner of Tesla. Among the new features, the famous blue checkmarks that can now be purchased by any user. A subscription that greatly displeases the European Union, which has just called out the social network through an official press release.
Thierry Breton, Commissioner of the European Parliament, spoke on the social network. He explained that blue badges are not currently symbols of reliable information, but also that they are a source of deception for users.
Back in the day, #BlueChecks used to mean trustworthy sources of information
Now with X, our preliminary view is that:
They disappoint users
They infrige #DSA
X now has the right of defence but if our view is confirmed we will impose fines & require significant changes. pic.twitter.com/M9tGA5pYQr
— Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) July 12, 2024
The official statement from the European Commission also states that the social network X would violate EU rules regarding its paid subscription. Thierry Breton also believes that the advertisements broadcast on the social network and the conditions of access to user data do not comply with the codes of the DSA (European Regulation on digital services).
What are the consequences for Elon Musk and X?
The statement presented by the European Union does not contain any deadline for the social network to comply with the Commission’s demands. These statements should, however, force Elon Musk to review the strategic positioning of the points raised, and in particular the paid blue badges.
According to several sources contacted by BFM TV, the social network X currently faces a fine of up to 6% of its global turnover if no measures are taken.
Last November, the company had already responded to the European Union’s requests regarding online disinformation and hate. However, these responses do not seem to have appeased the members of parliament who could well crack down on X in the coming months.