Paris Prosecutors Investigate X for Alleged Algorithm Manipulation

The Paris prosecutor’s office has initiated a criminal investigation into the platform X, owned by Elon Musk, on suspicions of algorithmic manipulation aimed at foreign interference. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the United States and the European Union, particularly in the realm of digital regulation and geopolitical strategy.

The investigation was triggered by two reports filed on January 12, one of which was submitted by MP Éric Bothorel. Bothorel, a member of the presidential party Ensemble pour la République, expressed his belief that X's algorithms were manipulated to promote Elon Musk's political views. The second report came from an unnamed senior government official. The probe is focused on two primary charges: altering the operation of an automated data processing system and fraudulent data extraction, both of which are alleged to have been carried out by an organized group.

Prosecutor Laure Beccuau stated that the investigation aims to determine whether X intentionally violated French law by manipulating its algorithms for purposes of interference or influence. The case has been assigned to the J3 unit, an elite cybercrime team known for its expertise in handling complex digital crimes. Notably, this same unit was responsible for the arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov in 2024 in a similar case.

This latest investigation adds to the existing legal challenges faced by X, including a case for complicity in aggravated moral harassment following a complaint by Magali Berdah in April 2023. The platform, formerly known as Twitter, has been under intense scrutiny since its acquisition by Elon Musk in 2022, with repeated clashes with European authorities.

The European Union has been increasingly determined to regulate major digital platforms, and this investigation is part of a broader regulatory push. In February, two German NGOs secured a significant legal victory when the Berlin regional court ordered X to grant access to its engagement data, allowing researchers to investigate potential electoral manipulations. Concurrently, the European Commission launched an investigation into X's alleged non-compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA), a new European regulation that imposes strict obligations on major platforms, including the rapid removal of illegal content, transparency in algorithm functioning, and increased cooperation with authorities. Non-compliance with the DSA can result in sanctions of up to 6% of a platform's global turnover.

This regulatory pressure comes at a critical time for Elon Musk, who has ambitious plans to transform X into a comprehensive financial platform, encompassing a social network, a banking service, and a global crypto hub. However, without the approval of European regulators, these projects face significant hurdles. Institutional trust is crucial for operating in the financial sector in Europe, and the current legal challenges could impede X's ability to gain the necessary approvals.

This situation is part of a broader context of rising tensions between the United States and Europe. The investigation into X, owned by one of the most influential American entrepreneurs, could further strain transatlantic relations and intensify debates on the regulation of American tech giants in Europe. The outcome of this investigation will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for how digital platforms are regulated and held accountable for their actions in the future.