In a first for the EU, French prosecutors have opened a police investigation into Elon Musk’s social media platform, X. They are investigating accusations of data manipulation and election fraud. This investigation focuses on the platform as a whole and to those who are connected to it. The Paris prosecutor’s office subsequently went public with the investigation. This latter decision followed a thoughtful, precautionary string of verifications, and new information shared by French researchers and notable public institutions.
Our investigation’s scope is limited to two specific alleged crimes. The latter only requires a less direct act of manipulation or interference with the functioning of an automated data processing system. The second deals with the more organized, predatory theft of data from that system. Law enforcement authorities believe these crimes were intended to further foreign interference. This lack of transparency raises significant alarm bells about the safeguarding of data on X.
Details of the Investigation
Prosecutors formally launched the investigation the week of July 11, 2025. They did find serious and widespread misconduct through their own created independent investigations. A section of the French gendarmerie is currently in charge of this investigation. This decision demonstrates the level of concern French authorities have for the conditions they are facing.
That probe took off earlier this year after two whistleblowers came forward to the cybercrimes unit in January. One of these singers is a member of the national assembly in France. The other person is an executive with a federal agency. Their testimonies, incredibly, moved the discussion along and led to more scrutiny on what was happening under X’s hood.
Allegations Against X
At the center of the investigation is, as you might expect, X’s algorithm. Authorities believe someone may have intentionally altered it else to allow the alleged crimes to occur. This speculation, alongside the platform’s algorithm transparency issues and governance by a single billionaire, casts serious doubt on its alleged benefits. The possibility that this technology could be misused for foreign interference complicates things further.
Prosecutors have said they’re trying to determine whether X’s internal systems were hacked on purpose. They want assurance that there has been no exploitation in these ways, breaching data protection and privacy laws. Investigators will begin their inquiry by exploring any evidence of foreign influence on social media networks. In addition, they will discuss what these findings mean in a larger context.
Broader Implications
Governments around the world are now grappling with issues of digital privacy, data sovereignty, and foreign meddling in their domestic affairs. This inquiry is taking place as these important questions are starting to surface. France is taking a more proactive approach to address these issues. This is a welcome sign of growing awareness about the comprehensive effects social media platforms have on public discourse and political processes.
As this precedent plays out, many will be watching to see how it affects X’s outreach practices and brand reputation. The findings of this investigation could lead to significant legal action. Our hope, as always, is that the platform and those who are perpetrating these alleged activities do not experience serious impacts.
