The European Union plans to apply a fine of more than R $ 5.8 billion against the social network X (former Twitter), owned by Elon Musk, for non-compliance with the bloc rules against illicit content and misinformation. The information was published on Friday (4) by the newspaper The New York Times.
Punishment can reach up to $ 5.8 billion, according to sources heard by the report, and also include demands for the platform to change its internal content moderation policies.
The measure is part of the application of the new Digital Services Law (DSA), which requires large platforms to combat the dissemination of fake news and hate speeches.
The European Union offensive against X can also heat up the diplomatic climate with the United States, especially with the Government of Donald Trump, as Musk is part of the Republican’s informal counselors circle.
The X investigation began in 2023. Last year, European regulators had already completed, in preliminary opinion, that the company violated the legislation in force. The final verdict should be announced in the coming months, along with the official sanction.
Eu wants to make X an example
According to Nytthe intention of regulators is to transform X into an emblematic case to discourage other technology companies to break the law. There is still a possibility that the penalty will be reviewed if the platform will accept to change its practices and meet the demands of the European Commission.
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The posture of the European Union contrasts with that of Musk, which accuses Europeans of imposing censorship. In July 2024, after learning of the committee’s initial opinion, the billionaire stated that he is “anxious for a public battle in court.”
Tight regulation
The Digital Services Act was created to impose responsibilities on so -called “very large platforms” such as Google, Meta (Facebook, Instagram), Tiktok and X, especially in the fight against disinformation spread, hate speech and illegal content. Failure to comply with fines of up to 6% of the company’s global annual revenues – which would explain the Billionaire figure for X.