The European Commission announced on Friday its intention to defend a €120 million fine imposed on the social media platform X. This decision follows the US government’s recent expression of support for Elon Musk‘s legal efforts to dismiss the case. The fine was levied late last year for violations of the EU’s major digital regulations, heightening tensions with Washington.
In a notable development, the US Justice Department filed an application on Thursday supporting X’s request to annul the case before the European Union’s General Court. This fine marks the first enforcement action under the EU’s online content regulations, following a comprehensive two-year investigation.
Regulators concluded that X’s blue checkmarks breached these rules because of “deceptive design practices,” potentially exposing users to scams and manipulation.
European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier emphasised that the EU has a “sovereign right“ to legislate in a way that protects its citizens.
“We are enforcing our legislation objectively, transparently and with a solid case,“ he told reporters. “We are ready to defend our position in court. We have a lot of evidence at our disposal, and it will be for the court to decide as always.”
The Commission enforces the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), requiring tech companies to clean up their platforms or face heavy fines. This regulation has drawn criticism from the Trump administration, which views it as online censorship. The Justice Department warned that upheld fines could significantly impact US online platforms and digital service companies operating in the EU.
Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division said in Thursday’s statement that the “European Commission inappropriately attempted to expand its regulatory authority to reach American companies not present or operating within its jurisdiction.”
“We will not tolerate the European Commission engaging in regulatory overreach to try and control American engines of innovation and economic growth,“ he said.
During the inquiry regarding whether the Justice Department had communicated its intention to support Musk to the Commission, Regnier clarified, “We do not require prior notification on such matters.“ He added that the Commission does not foresee the case adversely affecting broader relations between Brussels and Washington, particularly ongoing discussions aimed at alleviating the repercussions of tariffs instituted by the previous administration.
“From our perspective, nothing will change because of a DSA case,“ he said.
This article used information from The Associated Press.
