The Tech Policy Press Podcast Unpacking the Politics of the EU's €120M Fine of Musk’s X
Dec 7, 2025
Joris van Hoboken, a Professor of Information Law at the University of Amsterdam and a key player in the Digital Services Act Observatory, joins to discuss the EU's €120 million fine on Elon Musk’s X. They dive into the implications of this landmark enforcement against digital non-compliance. Joris explores the ongoing investigations, the political responses from Musk and U.S. officials, and the broader landscape of digital regulation in Europe. He wraps up with insights into the future of enforcement actions and his personal passion for punk rock.
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First DSA Fine Signals Enforcement
- The EU fined X €120M for DSA transparency breaches, marking the first non-compliance decision under the DSA.
- Joris van Hoboken says this signals the Commission will enforce rules but prefers negotiated commitments when possible.
Moderate Fine Reflects Strategic Restraint
- The Commission set the fine around 4.5% of X's service revenue rather than targeting Musk's personal wealth.
- Joris suggests the Commission is deliberately moderate now but could escalate fines later.
Systemic Risk Rules Are Hard To Operationalize
- Systemic-risk obligations under the DSA are complex and still being operationalized by platforms and the Commission.
- Joris warns giving risk rules real teeth will be challenging and take time.