EU targets Elon Musk's X with billion-dollar fine threats
The European Union is considering imposing hefty financial penalties on the X platform, owned by billionaire Elon Musk and a member of the President of the United States' cabinet, reports the "New York Times." According to the newspaper, the fines could exceed one billion dollars.
The "New York Times," citing statements from four individuals familiar with the matter, reports that EU regulators are preparing serious penalties against Elon Musk's X platform for violating laws concerning illegal content and misinformation.
Musk heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a government institution aimed at reducing federal spending. As noted by the portal, an attack on one of President Trump's closest advisors could increase tensions with the United States.
New York Times: Fine may exceed one billion dollars
Earlier, there was consideration of how large a fine to impose on X, taking into account the risk of further conflicts with Trump. However, sources suggest that the planned fine is not related to the trade war initiated by the U.S. president's administration.
One of the quoted individuals stated that the fine could exceed one billion dollars, as they want to deter other companies from violating the laws stemming from the Digital Services Act. The penalty is likely to be imposed in the summer of this year.
According to the newspaper, the European Union and X could still reach a settlement if the company agrees to make changes that meet the regulators’ demands.
In response to the publication, X stated that such actions would be an "unprecedented act of political censorship and an attack on free speech." X declares that it will do everything in its power to defend its operations and "protect freedom of speech in Europe."
