Friday 05 December 2025 18:52 EST Comments Support Now From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Elon Musk’s social media company X has been fined €120m (£105m) by the EU over its blue tick badges, in a decision likely to draw a furious reaction in Washington. According to the EU Commission, X misled users through the “deceptive” design of its blue badges, which it changed from user verification into a paid feature after Musk bought the company in late 2022. In a post on the app, Musk said: “The “EU” imposed this crazy fine not just on X, but also on me personally, which is even more insane!” X also fell short on providing a clear list of advertisers, required by the commission to help guard against illegal scams, fake ads and campaigns around political elections. And the company failed to make available public data to researchers, “undermining” research into risks within the EU, the commission found. The fine concludes one part of the EU’s two-year investigation under the Digital Services Act (DSA). A probe is still ongoing into efforts to counter the spread of illegal content and battle information manipulation. Ahead of the EU decision, US vice president JD Vance said on X: “Rumours 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,” he said. open image in gallery Elon Musk’s social media company was sanctioned following a two-year-long investigation under the bloc’s Digital Services Act (AP)