French Justice Investigates X and Musk: Suspected of Manipulating Algorithms for Foreign Interference The Paris prosecutor's anti-cybercrime department on Wednesday opened an investigation into the social media platform X and its top executives, including owner Elon Musk. They are suspected of manipulating the algorithm for foreign interference, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau said on Friday.
The investigation follows two reports on alleged use of the algorithm, dating back to January 12. The first report came from Eric Bothorel, a lawmaker from Macron's party who specializes in these issues. He warned the prosecutor's office about "the recent changes to X's algorithm and the apparent interference in the management of the platform since Elon Musk bought it."
The prosecutor's office has also asked for help from French police. It could conduct house searches, wiretaps, and surveillance targeting Musk and X's top management, or subpoena them. If they don't comply, a judge could issue an international arrest warrant. Freedom of Expression The measure increases pressure on Musk, a former ally of US President Donald Trump, who accuses European governments of attacking freedom of expression and has also expressed support for some far-right parties in the region. Bothorel noted "that the diversity of voices and options has been reduced" and that X is moving away from a goal "of ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all."
He also stressed "that the criteria that led to the algorithm and moderation changes are not sufficiently clear." Finally, he noted "that Elon Musk is personally intervening in the management of the platform," which he considers "a real danger to our democracies." According to the satirical weekly Le Canard Enchaîné, the second report came from a cybersecurity director in the civil service. He also spoke of "a major change in the algorithm, which now often displays political hatred and racist and homophobic content to influence political debate in France."
X Reaction X did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Reuters news agency. Laurent Buanec, head of X France, stated on social media on January 22 that "X has strict, clear, and public rules to protect the platform from hate speech." He wrote that X "fights against disinformation" and that the algorithm "has been developed to not offer hateful content." Rift between Washington and Europe
The recent investigation by Parisian prosecutors into powerful tech figures may widen the gap between Washington and Europe over what forms of online communication are permissible. Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder of the messaging app Telegram, is under judicial supervision in France after he was arrested last year and a formal investigation was launched into alleged racketeering through the app. He denies wrongdoing. Durov's arrest was criticized by Musk and sparked a debate over free speech that has been further fueled by senior Trump officials.
