EU takes Elon Musk's X to court over blue checks and ads
What is the EU accusing Elon Musk's X of?
The EU is accusing Elon Musk's X of violating the Digital Services Act (DSA) by deceiving users with its blue check "verification" system and not meeting transparency requirements1. The EU alleges that the blue check system, which allows anyone to pay for a verified badge, negatively affects users' ability to make informed decisions about account authenticity and content interaction. Additionally, the EU asserts that X's ad database is not searchable and reliable, hindering researchers from studying emerging risks.
How did Musk change the blue check system?
Musk changed the blue check system by allowing anyone to pay for the once-coveted badge, which led to the platform becoming flooded with spoof accounts, impersonators, and misleading information. This change has faced criticism from misinformation researchers and authorities, as it violates the Digital Services Act (DSA) in the European Union4.
What issues arose from Musk's blue check changes?
Musk's blue check changes led to the platform being flooded with spoof accounts, impersonators, and misleading information, negatively affecting users' ability to make informed decisions about account authenticity and content interaction. This also prompted criticism from misinformation researchers and authorities, who say the new blue check system violates the Digital Services Act (DSA) in the European Union2.