France Opens Criminal Investigation Into X for Algorithmic Manipulation

French Prosecutors Launch Probe Into X Platform

The French Public Prosecutor's Office has initiated a criminal investigation into X over allegations of algorithmic manipulation and foreign interference. This marks the latest regulatory challenge facing Elon Musk's social media platform in Europe.

Investigation Details and Legal Framework

Magistrate Laure Beccuau announced on Friday that prosecutors have launched a formal probe to determine whether X violated French law through algorithmic manipulation to fraudulently extract user data. The investigation centers on two primary allegations:

• Tampering with automated data processing systems as part of an organized group

• Fraudulent extraction of data from automated data processing systems within an organized group

Political Reports Trigger Investigation

The investigation began after two separate reports were submitted to the Paris Public Prosecutor's Office's cybercrime division on January 12. The first report came from MP Éric Bothorel, a member of French President Emmanuel Macron's Ensemble Pour La Republique party. The second report was filed by an unnamed senior government official.

Bothorel stated he filed his complaint because he believed "an informational bias, extreme on the X platform, was being used to serve Elon Musk's political opinions and that this could only happen through algorithmic manipulation." He expressed satisfaction that the French justice system is taking action against foreign interference.

Cybercrime Unit Takes Charge

The case was officially referred to the General Directorate of the National Gendarmerie on Wednesday, launching the formal investigation. France's specialized J3 cybercrime unit will lead the investigation. This same unit previously conducted the investigation that resulted in the arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov in August 2024.

Growing European Regulatory Pressure

Since Elon Musk acquired X in 2022, the platform has faced increasing scrutiny from European regulators. Recent developments include:

German Court Ruling

In February, two German NGOs successfully obtained a ruling from the Berlin Regional Court requiring X to provide access to publicly available engagement data. This ruling aims to assist researchers in analyzing potential election interference.

European Union Investigation

The European Union is currently investigating X for possible violations of the Digital Service Act. This landmark regulation mandates that online platforms remove illegal content and increase transparency around their algorithms.

Implications for X's Financial Ambitions

As Musk works to transform X into a comprehensive financial hub with cryptocurrency integration, mounting pressure from European regulators could pose significant challenges. The regulatory scrutiny may undermine the trust required to secure approval for offering financial services across the European Union.

Broader Context of Platform Regulation

This investigation reflects the broader trend of European authorities taking a more aggressive stance toward major tech platforms. The focus on algorithmic transparency and foreign interference prevention demonstrates the EU's commitment to maintaining digital sovereignty and protecting democratic processes.

Impact on Social Media Landscape

The French investigation could set important precedents for how European authorities approach algorithmic manipulation cases. The outcome may influence future regulatory approaches toward social media platforms and their content distribution mechanisms.

Conclusion

France's criminal investigation into X represents a significant escalation in European regulatory action against major tech platforms. As authorities examine allegations of algorithmic manipulation and foreign interference, the case could have far-reaching implications for platform governance and digital sovereignty in Europe. The investigation's outcome will likely influence how other European nations approach similar concerns about social media algorithmic transparency and foreign influence operations.