X Blocks European Commission’s Advertising Account: Background, Impact, and Statistical Insights

What Led to the Block?

The social platform X suspended the European Commission’s advertising account following the announcement of a 120-million-euro fine issued under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The fine was imposed due to alleged misuse of verification badges, lack of advertising transparency, and restricted access for independent researchers studying content moderation.

The suspension was confirmed by X’s Head of Product, Nikita Bier, who claimed that the European Commission attempted to use Ad Composer in a way that could artificially boost engagement. According to Bier, X is committed to enforcing equal rules for all users, regardless of institutional status.

Statistical Background and Broader Implications

Regulatory pressure from the European Union has increased significantly. In 2023–2024, EU authorities conducted more than 70 investigations into major digital platforms, with around 30 focusing specifically on advertising transparency issues. According to DSA monitoring data, more than 45 percent of EU social media users reported encountering misleading or improperly labeled content.

The scale of X’s influence is substantial: the platform counts over 550 million monthly active users. In 2024 alone, X accounted for approximately 12 percent of all formal complaints filed under the DSA framework. Analysts note that the temporary restriction of advertising tools for the European Commission may impact public communication strategies, particularly during election periods within the EU.

Response and Next Steps

The European Commission now has 60 days to present a remediation plan addressing verification badge issues and 90 days to resolve other shortcomings related to transparency and research access. Failure to comply may result in additional fines or operational restrictions in the EU market.

X’s owner, Elon Musk, criticized the EU’s decision, declaring that the European Union should be “abolished.” This escalation highlights growing tensions between big tech platforms and regulatory institutions, with further legal disputes appearing increasingly likely.