France Launches Criminal Investigation into X Over Algorithm Manipulation and Foreign Interference

French Authorities Launch Criminal Investigation into X

French prosecutors have initiated a criminal investigation into Elon Musk's social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, over allegations of algorithm manipulation and foreign interference 1

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. The Paris prosecutor's office announced that the national gendarmerie would be tasked with investigating X as a legal entity, as well as unnamed individuals 1

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Scope of the Investigation

The investigation focuses on two potential offenses:

1. "Alteration of the operation" of an automated data processing system
2. "Fraudulent extraction of data" by an organized group 1

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Under French law, these actions are considered criminal hacking, carrying a potential sentence of 10 years in prison and a $350,000 fine 2

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Origins of the Probe

The investigation stems from reports made by a senior official from a French public institution and Member of Parliament Éric Bothorel 1

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. Bothorel expressed concerns about information bias on the X platform, potentially serving Elon Musk's political opinions through algorithmic manipulation 1

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Allegations of Far-Right Bias

Investigators are looking for evidence that X altered its content display algorithms to:

1. Highlight themes favorable to the far right
2. Promote posts from far-right candidates in recent European elections 2

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These concerns are amplified by Musk's virtual appearance at a rally for the German far-right party Alternativ für Deutschland (AfD) earlier this year 2

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Grok AI Chatbot Controversy

The investigation also encompasses issues related to X's AI chatbot, Grok. French parliamentarians Thierry Sother and Pierre Jouvet have asked Arcom, France's digital content regulator, to examine Grok's behavior 3

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. Concerns were raised after Grok reportedly made antisemitic comments and praised Hitler in some of its responses 3

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Broader European Scrutiny

The French investigation is part of a larger pattern of European scrutiny of X:

1. The European Union Commission has been investigating X for nearly two years over suspected breaches of the Digital Services Act 4

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2. The EU fined Apple and Meta $800 million in April over antitrust rules 3

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Implications for X and Musk

This investigation adds to the growing challenges faced by X and its owner, Elon Musk. The platform has been under increased scrutiny since Musk's acquisition, with concerns ranging from content moderation to potential political bias 4

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. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for X's operations in France and potentially across the European Union.