France Launches Criminal Investigation into X for Algorithm Manipulation, Foreign Interference

French authorities have launched a criminal investigation into Elon Musk's social media platform X over allegations that its algorithm was manipulated to enable foreign interference and skew political discourse, particularly favoring far-right themes and candidates in recent European elections. The probe, led by Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau and involving the national gendarmerie, targets the platform as a legal entity, its senior officials, and unnamed individuals, focusing on potential offenses including alteration of algorithm operations and fraudulent data extraction. The investigation follows two complaints filed in January by centrist MP Éric Bothorel, who criticized Musk's direct involvement and the platform's opaque content moderation, and a cybersecurity official alleging the promotion of hateful, racist, and anti-LGBTQ content. Musk's support for Germany's far-right party AfD and the platform's AI chatbot Grok's dissemination of antisemitic content have further intensified scrutiny. While X France’s director has defended the platform’s transparency and hate speech policies, French officials and parliamentarians express concerns about threats to democracy and the integrity of European elections. The investigation could lead to serious criminal charges carrying up to 10 years in prison and substantial fines.