Paris, France – French prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, over allegations of "the alleged manipulation of its algorithm" and "fraudulent" data extraction. The probe, initiated by the Paris prosecutor's office, focuses on whether X tampered with an automated data processing system and fraudulently extracted user data as part of an "organized group." X has vehemently denied the allegations, labeling the investigation as "politically motivated."
The investigation follows complaints, including one from parliamentarian Éric Bothorel, who expressed conviction that 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." Magistrate Laure Beccuau confirmed the probe, which could lead to severe penalties, with offenses of this nature punishable by up to 10 years in prison under French law.
X, in response, has refused to cooperate with the French authorities' requests for its recommendation algorithm and real-time data about user posts. The company stated that the investigation "egregiously undermines X’s fundamental right to due process and threatens our users' rights to privacy and free speech." This stance underscores a growing tension between the platform and European regulators.
The regulatory scrutiny comes at a critical time for X, as its owner, Elon Musk, seeks to transform the platform into an "everything app" encompassing financial services, including crypto transactions. Such ambitions require significant trust and regulatory approval within the European Union, which could be jeopardized by ongoing legal challenges. The EU Commission had previously opened an investigation into X in 2023 for alleged breaches of the Digital Services Act (DSA), including "information manipulation."
The French investigation highlights broader concerns regarding algorithmic transparency and data privacy within major tech platforms. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case will be closely watched for its implications on digital governance and the future of social media regulation in Europe.