The European Union has taken a firm stance against social media network X’s practice of allowing users to pay for verification badges, commonly known as blue checks. This practice, according to EU officials, deceives users and hinders their ability to discern the authenticity of accounts. As a result, X could face fines of up to 6 percent of its global annual turnover if it fails to address these concerns.
The controversy surrounding the blue check system on X dates back to 2022 when Elon Musk acquired the platform. Prior to Musk’s ownership, blue checks were used to verify the identity of influential accounts, such as government agencies and celebrities, and were seen as a way to distinguish reliable sources of information from imposters. However, Musk criticized this system as elitist and introduced a subscriber model that allowed anyone to purchase a blue tick for a monthly fee.
Despite Musk’s efforts to democratize the verification process, the EU has raised objections to X’s verification system, citing concerns about transparency and compliance with local regulations. The EU also highlighted issues related to advertising transparency and researchers’ access to public data, accusing X of not aligning with industry standards in these areas.
This reprimand from the EU is part of a broader crackdown on big tech companies, with Apple, Microsoft, and Meta also facing scrutiny for potential violations of EU rules. Companies like Meta and Apple have been given deadlines to address these issues and avoid fines, demonstrating the EU’s commitment to holding tech giants accountable and promoting fair competition in the digital space.
In response to these regulatory pressures, some companies have begun making concessions to appease EU regulators. For example, Apple recently announced plans to make its Tap and Go wallet technology available to competitors, signaling a willingness to comply with local regulations and address concerns raised by European authorities.
As the EU continues to enforce stricter regulations on tech companies, it remains to be seen how platforms like X will adapt to comply with these new rules. The outcome of this regulatory scrutiny will not only impact the future of verification systems on social media but also set a precedent for how tech giants operate within the European market.
