X targets EU as tensions escalate

X has barred the European Commission from running advertisements on the platform, accusing the bloc’s executive arm of attempting to misuse its systems.

The move is the latest step in the growing dispute between the EU and Musk’s microblogging platform. Brussels recently fined X €120 million (about $140 million) under the Digital Services Act, accusing the company of misleading users through changes to its blue checkmark verification system.

Musk dismissed the fine as politically motivated and lashed out at the EU in response, branding it “the Fourth Reich” and calling for its dissolution.

X Head of Product Nikita Bier announced the measure on Sunday in response to the European Commission’s post detailing its fine. He said the EU’s announcement was “ironic,” claiming that EC staff had deliberately logged into a long‑dormant advertising account to exploit a flaw in X’s ad tools. According to him, the goal was to artificially amplify the message’s reach. X has since terminated the account.

The EU reportedly stopped purchasing ads on X in late 2023. An internal memo quoted by Politico cited reputational concerns after what it called “widespread disinformation” on the platform following the attack on Israel by militants from Gaza that took place a month earlier. The commission, however, has continued using X for regular communication.

Musk’s criticism of Brussels found support in Washington. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio denounced the EU fine as “an attack on all American tech platforms and the American people,” accusing European officials of attempting to impose political censorship.

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has similarly rebuked EU regulators, reiterating his claim that Western European governments attempt to strong-arm tech companies into suppressing political speech and meddling in domestic elections.