X Blocks EU's Ad Account After $140 Million Fine Issued to Platform

Is the fine an attack on American free speech by unelected bureaucrats, or essential consumer protection against deceptive practices?

Published 4 hours ago·Updated 26 minutes ago

X Blocks EU's Ad Account After $140 Million Fine Issued to Platform

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Above: The X logo appears on a smartphone screen and a laptop in Athens, on Nov. 30, 2025. Image credit: Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto/Getty Images

The Spin

Establishment-critical narrative

Brussels bureaucrats have imposed an absurd $140 million fine on X for trivial complaints like selling blue checkmarks, claiming it somehow prevents users from making informed decisions. This fine represents economic self-sabotage by unelected EU officials who answer to no one while punishing successful American companies.

Elon Musk on X Wall Street Journal

Pro-establishment narrative

X's deceptive blue checkmark system allows anyone to purchase verification without actual identity checks, exposing users to scams and impersonation fraud. The platform also blocks researchers from accessing public data and maintains an opaque advertising repository that hides critical information. Compliance with transparency laws isn't censorship.

European Commission Time