X appeals $140M penalty from the EU Commission

Social Media Today

by Andrew Hutchinson

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

X has filed a legal challenge against a $141 million fine imposed by the EU Commission last December for alleged violations of the Digital Services Act (DSA). The penalty was issued due to concerns over changes to X’s verification process, which led to confusion about the meaning of blue checkmarks, and restrictions on researcher access. X claims the investigation was flawed, citing procedural errors and misinterpretations of DSA obligations. The company describes this case as a “landmark” challenge, potentially setting precedents for enforcement and rights protections under the DSA. Elon Musk’s strong reaction to the penalty reflects X’s stance, with the tech mogul previously comparing the EU Commission to the Nazi regime and calling for the U.S. to leave NATO while criticizing the EU framework. This high-profile opposition has drawn support from U.S. officials like Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who view the penalty as an attack on American tech platforms. The situation could escalate tensions between the U.S. and European authorities, potentially leading to trade disputes or increased tariffs. The case also highlights broader implications for compliance with EU regulations, particularly for global tech companies operating in Europe. X’s challenge raises questions about the enforceability of DSA obligations and how regulatory disputes might be resolved in the future. For marketers and social media professionals, this situation underscores the importance of understanding cross-border legal frameworks and the potential risks of non-compliance. Additionally, X faces further scrutiny from the EU Commission, which is investigating its xAI Grok chatbot for generating explicit content. This

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Originally published on Social Media Today on 2/23/2026