**EU Regulators Target Musk’s X Platform with $1 Billion Fine**
Elon Musk’s social media platform X is in hot water over allegations of violating the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA). According to a recent report by The New York Times, X may face fines exceeding $1 billion for allegedly spreading disinformation and hate speech.
The EU’s DSA aims to reduce illegal and harmful content on major online platforms. In 2023, the European Commission launched formal proceedings against X and warned that selling verified check marks could be misleading to users and in breach of the law. The commission is also investigating whether X’s limited content moderation has allowed hate speech and disinformation to flourish.
**X Faces Possible Fines Under DSA**
Penalties under the DSA can reach up to 6% of a company’s global revenue. Officials are reportedly considering calculating X’s fine based on the combined revenue of all Elon Musk-owned companies, including SpaceX. X could avoid the fines by implementing changes demanded by the European Commission.
**X Responds with Concerns Over Free Speech**
The Global Government Affairs team at X responded to the allegations, saying that if the EU’s plans are true, it would represent an “unprecedented act of political censorship and an attack on free speech.” The team claimed that X has gone above and beyond to comply with the EU’s Digital Services Act.
**Context: Musk’s Twitter Acquisition and Ukraine**
Following billionaire Elon Musk’s 2022 acquisition of X (formerly known as Twitter), the social media company has faced criticism for increased levels of disinformation. Musk himself has promoted Russia-backed narratives about the war in Ukraine, including mocking Zelensky with memes portraying him as begging for financial aid.
**Other News from Around the World**
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to dominate headlines. Russian forces launched a ballistic missile attack on Kryvyi Rih, hitting a residential neighborhood and causing severe damage. President Volodymyr Zelensky pointed out that Russia is fully aware of the target’s critical energy role.
Meanwhile, Finland’s Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen warned that Europe cannot afford a disjointed transition in defense capabilities, which could provide Russia with an opportunity to exploit any gaps in the region’s security. Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed similar concerns.
**Global Leaders Weigh In**
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, “We will know soon enough, in a matter of weeks, not months, whether Russia is serious about peace or not.” U.S. President Donald Trump will attend the NATO summit in The Hague in June, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski announced.
The situation on the ground remains tense, with Russian forces launching 78 drones against Ukraine overnight.