Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) is refusing to cooperate with French authorities after they labeled the platform an ‘organized gang’ amid a criminal investigation. The investigation is focused on claims that X manipulated its algorithm and engaged in fraudulent data extraction to influence French politics, particularly through alleged promotion of right-wing groups. French prosecutors have enlisted police to probe the company and individuals linked to it.
Musk’s team, however, denies all allegations and insists that the investigation is politically motivated.
The case is further complicating tensions between the US and European governments. Washington has already criticized France for what it sees as an attack on free speech and American companies. Musk’s team is rejecting all allegations, stating that the investigation is an infringement on their legal rights. X has also refused French prosecutors’ requests to access its recommendation algorithm and real-time data, which is raising concerns about potential surveillance and wiretapping of Musk and other X executives.
This is not the first time a social media platform has faced legal action in France. Just a year ago, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was arrested under similar accusations of failing to prevent criminal activities on his platform. Durov has spoken out about how such actions are damaging France’s reputation in the global tech industry, arguing that bureaucrats are undoing years of work to attract investment.
The French investigation has now granted police the power to conduct searches, wiretaps, and surveillance on X executives or issue arrest warrants if they fail to comply. The stakes are high, with potential penalties including up to 10 years in prison for violations. Despite the legal pressure, X is determined to resist what it calls a politically charged attack on free speech, framing the inquiry as an attempt to silence the platform and its influence.
Meanwhile, French politician Eric Bothorel, who initiated the complaint, argues that algorithmic manipulation for foreign interference is a serious threat, but X has strongly denied the accusations. As the case unfolds, it is likely to fuel further debates about the balance between free speech and regulation in the digital age, with both sides digging in their heels over the future of content moderation online.