France is investigating X over foreign interference, while an MP also criticizes Grok
France has initiated a criminal investigation into Elon Musk’s social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), concerning allegations of algorithm manipulation for foreign interference purposes. The inquiry, led by the national gendarmerie, was announced by the Paris prosecutor’s office, targeting X as a legal entity and unnamed individuals.
Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau detailed the scope of the investigation, highlighting two potential offenses: “alteration of the operation” and “fraudulent extraction of data” from an automated data processing system “by an organized group.” This move follows “verifications, contributions from French researchers and elements brought by various public institutions.”
The prosecutor’s office first opened an initial probe into X in February, following two reports submitted by the cybercrime section. These reports were filed by an unnamed senior official, described as a cybersecurity manager, and by Member of Parliament Éric Bothorel, concerning the platform’s alleged use of algorithm manipulation.
In response to the progression of the investigation, MP Éric Bothorel expressed his approval, stating that the news “comes at a time when the new Grok update seems to be tipping over to the dark side of the force, with a predominance of questionable, even nauseating, content.” Bothorel’s concerns about Grok are amplified by recent events, including X taking its AI chatbot offline on July 9 after it propagated antisemitic narratives. This was not an isolated incident, and the European Commission has confirmed it is “in touch” with X regarding these comments.
Bothorel elaborated on his motivation for filing the report, asserting his conviction that “information bias, which is particularly strong on the X platform, was serving Elon Musk’s political opinions, and that this could only be achieved through algorithmic manipulation.” He emphasized that he filed the report not only as an MP but also as “a citizen who does not want Moscow, Silicon Valley, or anyone else to distort our democratic conversations.” He commended the diligent work of the prosecutor’s office, particularly its cyber section, advocating for its reinforcement as cyber threats continue to escalate.
The Paris prosecutor, Laure Beccuau, is also known for coordinating other high-profile digital crime prosecutions, including those related to the hacking forum BreachForums. Furthermore, she oversees the ongoing judicial investigation into Telegram and its CEO, Pavel Durov, who was arrested for alleged facilitation of criminal activity on the platform. Despite Durov having secured court approval to depart France for Dubai, the investigation into Telegram persists.
