The impact of the EU accusation on X’s blue tick accounts

Elon Musk and his social media site X are facing accusations from the European Union regarding the misuse of “verified” blue tick accounts. The EU’s tech regulator has raised concerns about potential deception of users by allowing anyone to pay for a blue tick, leading to abuse by malicious actors. This investigation could potentially result in substantial fines for X and force changes in its operation in the EU. Mr. Musk has expressed dissatisfaction with the DSA rules, claiming they amount to censorship and hinder free speech on the platform he purchased for $44bn in 2022. The lack of transparency in advertising, data provision for research, and issues around account authenticity have also been highlighted by the EU regulator. The implications of these accusations on X’s practices and operations could significantly impact the platform’s credibility and user trust, leading to the need for substantial changes to comply with EU regulations. ByteDance’s TikTok, AliExpress, and Meta Platforms are also under investigation for similar violations, indicating a broader crackdown on big tech firms in the EU. This scrutiny could set a precedent for stricter regulations on social media platforms and online content in the future, shaping the landscape of digital services in the EU and beyond.