EU to Slap Elon Musk’s X With $1 Billion
European regulators are preparing to levy a massive fine on Elon Musk’s X, surpassing $1 billion, for allegedly violating a major online speech law.
According to The New York Times, the European Union (EU) is planning to penalize Musk’s social media company for breaching the Digital Services Act (DSA).
🚨 #BREAKING: The European Union is preparing to fine Elon Musk and 𝕏 more than $1 BILLION, per NYT
This is a DIRECT ATTACK on free speech, and retaliation against Elon for his role in the Trump admin
EU is even targeting SPACEX’s revenue, further proving this is politically… pic.twitter.com/SEmnXgQkAe
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) April 3, 2025
Four sources familiar with the matter confirmed that, in addition to the fine, X will be required to implement substantial changes to its platform.
Officials are considering the broader consequences of their actions, particularly in relation to Musk and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Given the current disputes between the U.S. and EU regarding trade, tariffs, and the Ukraine conflict, the regulators are weighing whether such a hefty penalty could further strain relations.
The fine, which is expected to be formally announced in the summer, marks the first enforcement case under the Digital Services Act. This legislation is intended to push social media firms to regulate content more aggressively.
X has been under EU scrutiny since 2023, with regulators issuing an initial ruling last year indicating that the platform had violated the law, per Breitbart News.
However, a settlement remains possible if X agrees to alter its policies to satisfy regulatory demands, which would likely mean increased censorship.
Musk has been vocal in his criticism of European digital policies, making it likely that he will challenge any penalties. His stance on free speech has positioned him in direct opposition to EU regulators.
In addition to the current investigation, a second, broader probe is ongoing. Authorities suspect that X’s lax content moderation has allowed hate speech, disinformation, and other harmful material to proliferate, threatening democracy across the 27-member EU.
This case represents a crucial test for the EU’s ability to enforce the Digital Services Act. The law has sparked debates over digital censorship, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance arguing that the EU is overreaching in its regulatory approach.
The specific fine amount is still being determined, but officials are reportedly considering Musk’s other business holdings, such as SpaceX, when calculating the penalty. This approach could result in a fine that significantly exceeds $1 billion.
The EU’s crackdown on American tech companies extends beyond X. Regulators are also set to penalize Meta and Apple under the Digital Markets Act, a separate law aimed at curbing monopolistic practices and fostering competition.
Meta is facing additional scrutiny under the Digital Services Act for allegedly failing to provide adequate protections for minors using its platforms. The company could face substantial penalties if found in violation.
The EU’s approach to regulating technology giants has drawn criticism from free speech advocates, who argue that such measures amount to government-enforced censorship rather than responsible moderation.
Scroll down to leave a comment and share your thoughts.
Leave a Comment