Elon Musk’s social media platform X has been fined €120m (£105m) by the EU over its blue tick badges.

The European Commission said by allowing allowing people to pay for a blue verified check mark on their profile, the social media platform “deceives users” because the firm is not “meaningfully verifying” who is behind the account.

“This deception exposes users to scams, including impersonation frauds, as well as other forms of manipulation by malicious actors,” it said.

The BBC has approached X for comment.

EU regulators said the platform was also failing to provide transparency around its adverts, and it was not giving researchers access to public data.

“The fine issued today was calculated taking into account the nature of these infringements, their gravity in terms of affected EU users, and their duration,” it said.

The action constitutes the Commission’s first decision on a platform’s “non-compliance” with its Digital Services Act (DSA) – one of two rulebooks online firms must follow in order to operate their services in the EU.

The DSA sets out obligations for platforms around content, data and advertising, while the Digital Markets Act establishes how companies should operate in order to benefit consumers and competition.

Such rules have come under increased scrutiny from US leaders, who warned against tougher regulation of tech firms by governments and regulators.

US Vice President JD Vance lashed out at the EU amid rumours of its forthcoming fine on Thursday – claiming it was being punished “for not engaging in censorship”.

“The EU should be supporting free speech, not attacking American companies over garbage,” he said.

Amid the widespread cancellations and delays of IndiGo flights, airfares on other airlines have skyrocketed, in some cases touching prices comparable to Delhi–London tickets. The sudden spike in one-way economy fares has raised serious concerns among commuters.

New Rent Rules 2025: The Model Tenancy Act, 2021 is reshaping the rental landscape in India, bringing long-needed clarity, fairness and legal protection to both tenants and landlords. With rules on security deposits, written agreements, inspection rights, repairs and evictions now standardised, the Act aims to end informal practices and reduce disputes. As more states adopt its provisions, understanding these new guidelines has become essential for anyone renting or leasing property in India. Here are key pointers you must know:

1. Security Deposit Limits

* For residential properties, landlords cannot ask for more than two months’ rent as a deposit.

* For commercial properties, the maximum is six months’ rent.

* The deposit must be refunded when the tenant vacates, after deducting any legitimate dues.

2. Written & Registered Agreement Is Mandatory

* Every tenancy must have a written rental agreement.

* It must be digitally stamped and registered online with the Rent Authority within two months of signing.

* No verbal or informal rental arrangements are allowed.

3. When Landlords Can Enter the Property

* Landlords must give at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering the property.

* Entry is allowed only for:

– repairs,

– inspection for habitability, or

– any reason clearly mentioned in the rental agreement.

* Entry cannot happen before sunrise or after sunset.

No notice is needed only in emergencies like fire, flood, earthquake, etc.

4. Eviction Rules Are Strict and Legal

* Tenants cannot be evicted without applying to the Rent Authority.

* Valid eviction grounds include:

– not paying rent for two consecutive months,

– misusing or damaging the property,

– making structural changes without permission.

If tenants stay after the agreement ends, they must pay enhanced rent.

5. Repairs & Maintenance Responsibilities

* Landlord must handle major structural work, including:

– painting,

– plumbing pipe replacements,

– major electrical wiring,

– structural repairs.

* Tenant must handle routine repairs, including:

– taps, drain cleaning, WC repairs,

– switches, geyser and small fixtures,

– garden and open space maintenance.

If the landlord doesn’t do essential repairs within 30 days of being notified, the tenant may fix it and deduct the cost from rent.

If the house becomes uninhabitable and the landlord refuses repairs,

the tenant can vacate after 15 days’ notice.

6. Rent Revision Rules

* Rent can be increased only once in 12 months. Landlord must give 90 days’ prior written notice before revising rent.

7. Harassment or Unlawful Actions Are Punishable

* Landlords cannot (without following legal process):

– change locks,

– cut electricity or water,

– threaten the tenant, or

– forcibly evict them

These actions are punishable under the Act.