Probe Intensifies
In a significant development, the cybercrime unit of the Paris prosecutor's office, in conjunction with French police and Europol, has intensified its
year-long investigation into the social media platform X. This intensified scrutiny has led to a raid on X's offices in Paris and a summons for its owner, Elon Musk, to appear for questioning. The investigation initially focused on suspicions of algorithmic abuse and data scraping, but has now expanded considerably. This move underscores a growing concern in Europe regarding the regulatory oversight of major technology companies and their compliance with national laws. The prosecutor's office stated its aim is to ensure X operates within the legal framework of France, where it conducts business operations.
Deepfakes and Child Abuse Material
The widening scope of the investigation now includes particularly grave accusations. Prosecutors are examining potential complicity in the 'detention and diffusion' of child abuse imagery. Furthermore, the probe is delving into allegations concerning the violation of image rights through the creation and dissemination of sexually explicit deepfake content. These additions signal a serious escalation of the legal challenges X faces in France, moving beyond technical operational concerns to issues of content moderation and the protection of individuals, especially minors, from illicit digital material. This expansion follows initial complaints that suggested X's artificial intelligence chatbot, Grok, might be involved in problematic functionalities.
Musk and Executives Summoned
As part of this unfolding investigation, both Elon Musk and former X CEO Linda Yaccarino have been formally summoned to a hearing scheduled for April 20. Other X employees have also been requested to provide testimony as witnesses. While such summons are legally binding, their enforcement can be complex for individuals residing outside France. The outcome of this hearing could lead to further legal actions, including the continuation of the probe or potential custody measures, depending on the findings. Musk has previously characterized the French investigation as 'politically motivated' and denied initial accusations, setting a potentially confrontational tone for the upcoming proceedings.
Lawmaker's Complaint
The initial impetus for this investigation reportedly came from a complaint lodged by a French lawmaker in January 2025, who alleged that X's algorithms were potentially biased and had distorted the operation of its automated data processing systems. The lawmaker expressed satisfaction that the complaint was yielding tangible results, emphasizing the principle of the rule of law, which dictates that no entity or individual is exempt from legal scrutiny, particularly within Europe. In a notable shift, the Paris prosecutor's office has announced its intention to cease using the X platform for official communications, opting instead for LinkedIn and Instagram, highlighting a deliberate distancing from the platform under investigation.
