X suggests modifications to blue checkmarks following a €120 million fine imposed by the EU.

 

X has proposed changes to its blue checkmark system in the European Union following a €120 million fine under the Digital Services Act (DSA). 

The EU found the paid subscription model deceptive, arguing it created false trust by confusing subscribers with formally verified public figures. Regulators are now reviewing these proposed remedies.

The European Commission fined X in late 2025/early 2026 for violating the DSA. The main issue was that the blue checkmark—once a sign of identity verification—was sold to any subscriber, causing potential deception.

X submitted changes to how verified accounts are labeled and presented within the EU to comply with the commission's rules, although specific details of these changes were not initially disclosed.

The European Commission is currently evaluating the proposed solutions. Additionally, X faces a deadline for further improvements in transparency, specifically regarding advertiser logs and, according to Xinhua, is required to submit additional rectification plans by April 28, 2026.

This is the first major sanction under the EU's Digital Services Act and marks a significant push by regulators to enforce strict transparency and authenticity standards on social media platforms.