Musk’s X Under French Criminal Investigation

A preliminary inquiry initiated earlier this year by the Paris prosecutor’s office concerning the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, is increasingly focusing on the platform’s influential owner, Elon Musk.

On July 11, 2025, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau disclosed in an official statement that the investigation now targets “the X platform (formerly Twitter), [a] legal entity and [some] individuals.”

The case was formally assigned to the national gendarmerie on July 9.

However, the prosecutor’s office has not publicly identified the individuals under scrutiny.

Nature of the Investigation and Legal Framework

The probe centers on two grave allegations: “alteration of the operation” and “fraudulent extraction of data” from a computer system “by an organized group.”

These charges constitute serious cybercrime offenses under French law, carrying potential penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment and fines reaching €300,000.

The referral of the case to an investigative service empowers authorities to conduct search and seizure operations, as well as to carry out interviews with suspects and witnesses—measures that could significantly deepen the inquiry.

Origins of the Inquiry and Political Context

The Paris prosecutor’s office launched the investigation in February 2025 following the submission of two formal complaints.

One of these was filed by Eric Bothorel, a centrist Member of Parliament from the Ensemble pour la République party, who raised concerns about X’s possible involvement in political interference across Europe.

Bothorel’s complaint specifically cited suspicions that the platform manipulated its content algorithms to favor far-right political agendas.

Among the allegations is the claim that X’s algorithmic curation amplified themes and narratives sympathetic to far-right movements, thereby influencing public opinion and electoral outcomes.

A notable example involves the German far-right party Alternativ für Deutschland (AfD).

It reportedly received disproportionate visibility on the platform during recent European elections.

This selective promotion of political content has raised alarms about the platform’s role in shaping democratic processes.

Elon Musk’s Role and Platform Governance

Elon Musk, who acquired Twitter in late 2022 and rebranded it as X, has maintained significant control over the platform’s strategic direction and content policies.

His tenure has been marked by sweeping changes to moderation rules and algorithmic structures, which critics argue have emboldened extremist voices and misinformation.

The ongoing investigation’s proximity to Musk underscores the legal and ethical challenges facing tech billionaires who wield outsized influence over digital public discourse.

The Paris prosecutor’s office has not explicitly named Musk among the individuals under investigation.

Although the reference to “individuals” alongside the legal entity suggests scrutiny of senior executives or decision-makers linked to the platform’s operations.

Given Musk’s hands-on management style and public statements about content moderation, investigators are likely examining whether he or his close associates authorized or were complicit in the alleged manipulations.

Broader Implications for Social Media Regulation

This investigation reflects growing international concerns over the role of social media platforms in political interference, disinformation, and election manipulation.

Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are increasingly scrutinizing how algorithmic design and data practices can distort democratic processes.

France, with its robust legal framework against cybercrime and foreign interference, is positioning itself at the forefront of efforts to hold tech companies accountable.

The case also highlights the tension between platform autonomy and public accountability.

While social media companies argue they provide neutral forums for free expression, evidence of algorithmic bias or data misuse challenges this narrative.

The potential legal consequences for X and its leadership could set important precedents for how digital platforms are governed and regulated in the future.

Next Steps and Potential Outcomes

With the national gendarmerie now officially involved, the investigation is expected to intensify.

Authorities may conduct raids on X’s Paris offices or other relevant sites, seize digital evidence, and summon key personnel for questioning.

The inquiry could expand to include forensic analysis of algorithmic code, internal communications, and data logs to establish whether content manipulation occurred systematically.

If sufficient evidence is uncovered, the case could lead to formal charges against the platform and implicated individuals, including possible criminal prosecution.

Such developments would not only impact X’s operations in France but could also reverberate across Europe, where similar concerns about social media influence persist.

Conclusion

The Paris prosecutor’s office investigation into X represents a critical moment in the ongoing global debate over social media’s impact on democracy.

Allegations that the platform altered its algorithms to favor far-right political actors and manipulated data for political ends have placed Elon Musk and his company under intense legal and public scrutiny.

As the probe advances, it will test the limits of accountability for tech giants and shape the future landscape of digital governance and electoral integrity in Europe.

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