US backs Elon Musk's bid to overturn €120m EU fine against X
The EU had said X "deceives users" by selling blue ticks without "meaningfully verifying" accounts.
The US government is supporting Elon Musk's legal effort to challenge a €120 million European Union fine imposed on X for its blue tick verification badges. In December 2025, the European Commission declared X deceptive for permitting individuals to purchase a blue verified checkmark, as it failed to properly verify the true identity behind the account.
However, US Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate asserted that the commission had improperly aimed to apply its jurisdiction to American companies beyond its control. Musk, who has previously supported Republican candidates and criticized EU tech regulation, has claimed that such regulations hinder progress for companies.
The US Department of Justice filed an application with the EU's General Court, arguing that a state has the right to intervene in a dispute if it can demonstrate a vested interest in the court's outcome. The DOJ claims the US has a clear interest in ensuring consistent application of territorial jurisdiction under international law and protecting US digital services that significantly contribute to its economy.
European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier stated that the Commission is prepared to defend its position in court, citing its solid case based on alleged breaches of the Digital Services Act.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
