The EU is preparing to apply serious sanctions on the foundation of social networks X, owned by Ilon Mask, related to violations of the law on digital services, adjust the war against illegal content and false information. It is known that sanctions may include fines and requirements for changes in product function and they are expected to declare this year.
According to preliminary information, fines can reach over $ 1 billion. The European Union sought to set an example for other companies to warn them from similar violations. However, this decision could lead to a bigger confrontation between Europe and the United States, especially in the context of tensions in trade relations and recent Trump's recent notice of new customs tariffs.
A recent investigation showed that the X platform (recalled that on March 4, 2022, Roskomnadzor blocked Twitter, because this social network was previously called, in Russia) violating European laws without providing data to third researchers, complicating the analysis of the spread of the deviation network in social networks. Moreover, the company is also criticized for not being transparent in relationships with advertisers and checking the authenticity of users inefficiently using paid functions, such as the account that has been verified. This creates conditions for potential abuse and foreign intervention in the actions of the platform.
Large sanctions may be the first application of the new law on digital services, which are effective to ensure more rigid control over social networks. The uncertainty of the fate of social networks is still, because a rare case has a high rate that can lead to a multi -directional test. If Musk decides the European Union's decision dispute in the Court, this can lead to a serious conflict that can affect the Atlantic relationship.
However, the negotiations between X and European regulators continue to the endlessness of the legislative changes, the company may be forced to take more stringent measures to comply with new rules. If the government decides to introduce a significant fine, this may create a precedent for other technology companies, which are also being investigated for alleged violations.
The European Commission has confirmed that at this time, a proposal to fined more than $ 1 billion was not discussed, but sources said that the fine was still being considered. The EU Vice President on digital issues has repeatedly emphasized the importance of the application of fair and immutable rules to all companies working in the region, despite their residence.
Musk mocked the EU with a sickle and a hammer
Company X officially abandoned comments, but described actions against it as an unprecedented political censorship act of Muslims and expressed his intention to protect its business interests, as well as freedom of speech in Europe. In addition, Ilona Mask is expected by strong legal disputes from both regulatory agencies and on the groups actively supporting freedom of speech and protecting public interests.
For more than ten years, the European Union has actively studied and punished the largest technology companies in the US for various violations, which showed their wishes for strict policies on technological regulations and protecting users' interests. This pressure from the European Union also left a mark on international trade relations, while at the intersection of politics, technology and economy.