UPDATE – FEBRUARY 2026:
The European Commission has moved from investigation to enforcement under the Digital Services Act (DSA). On December 5, 2025, the Commission issued its first formal non-compliance decision under the DSA. It imposed a €120 million fine on X (formerly Twitter). The decision focused on transparency and deceptive design violations. That includes the platform’s paid verification “blue checkmark” system. As well as deficiencies in its advertising transparency repository and restrictions on researcher access to platform data.
The Commission concluded that X’s verification system could mislead users about account authenticity, increasing exposure to scams and impersonation. It also found that X failed to provide sufficiently transparent advertising disclosures. Also, it did not meet DSA requirements to enable vetted researchers to study systemic risks. X has been given approximately 60 working days to address verification-related issues. As well as 90 working days to present remedial measures on advertising transparency and researcher access.
In addition, in late January 2026, the Commission opened a new formal investigation into X’s Grok AI tool and recommender systems. This probe examines compliance with systemic risk mitigation obligations, particularly regarding deepfakes, illegal content, and child protection safeguards. Ireland’s Digital Services Coordinator, where X is established, is formally involved in this proceeding.
While the December 2025 fine resolves part of the original December 2023 investigation, broader DSA inquiries into illegal content and information manipulation remain ongoing. The DSA does not impose a fixed deadline for concluding these proceedings.
ORIGINAL NEWS POST:
EU Announces Formal Proceedings Against Social Media Giant, X, for Potential Violations
The European Union has taken decisive action against the social media platform known as “X,” formerly recognized as Twitter. EU Digital Commissioner Thierry Breton announced the commencement of infringement proceedings against the platform, citing concerns related to illegal content, disinformation, transparency obligations, and deceptive design in user interfaces.
In a press release, suspicions were highlighted that X may be breaching its obligations to counter illegal content and disinformation, violating transparency requirements, and engaging in deceptive design practices. Responding to inquiries from various news outlets, including the BBC, X asserted its commitment to cooperate fully with the regulatory process. Notably, X faces heightened scrutiny as one of the 17 designated Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) under the Digital Services Act (DSA).
In the upcoming stages of the proceedings, the EU Commission will intensify its efforts to gather evidence, conducting interviews or inspections as deemed necessary. The Commission holds the authority to implement further enforcement measures, including interim actions and non-compliance decisions. Notably, the DSA does not specify a legal deadline for concluding formal proceedings, leaving the duration of the investigation uncertain.
Need Help?
Since the introduction of the DSA, major tech companies and social media giants have actively worked towards compliance. If there are concerns about your company’s adherence to the DSA or other AI regulations, consider seeking guidance from BABL AI. Their team of Audit Experts possesses specialized knowledge in DSA compliance and can address any questions or uncertainties you may have.
