The European Union has imposed a €120 million fine on the platform X, marking the first enforcement of the Digital Services Act. The move signals a potential rekindling of tensions with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. The European Commission emphasized that the decision is about platform transparency and not censorship, responding to accusations made by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance.

The fine, announced on Friday, targets X—owned by billionaire Elon Musk—and represents the first application of the EU’s two-year-old law aimed at regulating illegal and harmful online content.

EU Technology Commissioner Hina Vērkonen told reporters, “This decision is about X’s transparency and has nothing to do with censorship,” directly addressing Vance’s criticism prior to the fine’s announcement. She added, “If you follow our rules, you won’t be fined. It’s that simple.”

The EU’s move follows months of media reports suggesting Brussels had delayed its investigation into X after Trump assumed office, as both sides sought to advance trade negotiations.

In July, the Financial Times reported—citing three informed officials—that the Commission would miss its original deadline to conclude the investigation, which had been expected before the summer break. The decision was ultimately postponed until the direction of EU-U.S. trade talks became clearer, which has now occurred.