Asger Risom
U.S. Vice President JD Vance urges the European Commission to not penalise X, framing it as an attack on free speech.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance urged the European Commission on Thursday to back away from potential penalties against Elon Musk’s platform X, framing the EU’s actions as an attack on free speech and on American companies.
Vance pushes back on rumored fines
“Rumors swirling that the EU commission will fine X hundreds of millions of dollars for not engaging in censorship. The EU should be supporting free speech not attacking American companies over garbage.” Vance wrote on X.
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His remarks follow months of unconfirmed reports that the European Commission may issue a fine exceeding €1 billion. EC officials have not verified those figures, but they have signaled that decisions on several cases are imminent.
Six investigations launched under the Digital Services Act
The Commission has opened six investigations into X under the Digital Services Act. Three remain active, while three others resulted in preliminary findings that the platform violated EU rules, including requirements related to moderating illegal content, limiting information manipulation, and providing transparency around targeted advertising.
Henna Virkunnen, an EC vice-president, said in November that she expected to conclude multiple proceedings before year’s end.
Trump administration steps up defense of U.S. tech firms
The White House has frequently criticized Europe’s regulatory stance toward American tech companies. Earlier this week, Trade Secretary Howard Lutnick warned that any potential trade deal with the EU would require concessions on penalties targeting U.S. firms.
Vance has taken an even harder line, accusing European governments and the U.K. of censorship and comparing the EU’s regulatory approach to that of the Soviet Union.
Sources: WP, PAP, New York Times
