US Seeks Intervention in EU Fine Against X Over Digital Services Act

The United States Department of Justice has applied to intervene in a legal challenge against a €120 million ($129 million) fine levied on X by the European Commission. The fine, issued in December 2025, concerns alleged non-compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA) regarding verification practices, advertising transparency, and data access for researchers.

US authorities contend that the European Commission has inappropriately extended its regulatory jurisdiction over American companies. The filing asserts that the US has a significant interest in ensuring that international law concerning territorial jurisdiction is applied consistently, aiming to prevent prejudice against US-headquartered digital services.

Jurisdictional Clash Emerges

The intervention by the US government underscores growing geopolitical friction over the extraterritorial reach of European digital regulations. The Commission had previously stated that X “deceives users” by allowing paid verification check marks without meaningful identity verification.

US Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate stated on Thursday that the Commission had "inappropriately attempted" to expand its reach to American companies outside its control.

Other US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Federal Communications Commission, have criticized the EU's actions, calling the fine an "attack on all American tech platforms."

Future Regulatory Landscape at Stake The United States Department The outcome of this case could establish a critical precedent for how US-based technology firms navigate compliance with foreign regulatory frameworks. It will also define the extent to which the US government will provide formal legal support in such international disputes.

The European Commission has denied targeting any specific nationality, asserting its focus is on protecting digital and democratic standards to maintain its role as a global benchmark. The fine represents the Commission's first official non-compliance decision under the DSA, which is one of two mandatory rulebooks governing online platforms in the EU.