EU Fines X €120 Million, TikTok Avoids Penalty – Big Tech Under DSA (5 December 2025)

EU Fines X €120 Million and TikTok Escapes Penalty: Major Ruling under Digital Services Act

On 5 December 2025, the European Commission announced that the social‑media platform X has been fined €120 million (≈ $140 million) for violating online‑content regulations under the Digital Services Act (DSA). This is the first significant penalty imposed under this landmark law. The commission cited multiple breaches by X, including misuse of its “blue checkmark” verification, lack of transparency in its advertising repository, and failure to grant researchers public‑data access.

In contrast, TikTok avoided financial penalties by offering concessions. The platform committed to improving transparency in its ad library and ensuring better data access. Due to these commitments, regulators chose not to fine TikTok.

According to the European Commission, the fine is not aimed at censorship but at enforcing user protection, transparency, and accountability. The blue checkmark system on X was deemed misleading because it allowed anyone to purchase verification status without meaningful identity checks, making it difficult for users to verify account authenticity. Likewise, the ad repository lacked critical details, and researchers faced barriers to accessing public data.

The penalty, while substantial, remains below the maximum allowed under the DSA, which can be as high as 6 % of global annual revenue for non-compliance. X has been given 60 working days to propose corrective measures for its blue checkmark system and 90 days to address ad transparency and data-access issues. Failure to comply may result in further sanctions.

This ruling sends a clear message to global tech firms: having a large user base does not exempt them from regulatory responsibility. As oversight on content moderation, transparency, and data access intensifies, other platforms may also face similar investigations if they fail to comply with DSA standards.

In conclusion, the €120 million fine on X and TikTok’s settlement underscores a broader shift: under DSA, accountability and transparency are non-negotiable for global social platforms. The decision reflects the EU’s commitment to uphold digital safety, protect users from deception, and promote open access to data for researchers — reinforcing that user rights and public interest must take priority over corporate convenience.