The French government has opened a formal criminal investigation into Elon Musk’s social media platform X, citing serious allegations of foreign interference and data crimes.
The Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office officially filed charges against X, accusing the platform and unnamed individuals of “altering the functioning of an automated data processing system” and “fraudulent data extraction,” both carried out by what it calls an “organized group.” These offenses are classified as major computer hacking crimes in France and carry potential penalties of up to 10 years in prison and a €300,000 fine.
The move follows a preliminary investigation initiated in February, after French cybersecurity researchers submitted a detailed report on alleged manipulation and misuse of the platform’s algorithm.
According to French newspaper Le Monde, the charges grant authorities the ability to conduct searches and interview relevant individuals. However, the identities of those named in the investigation have not been made public.
The scrutiny comes amid growing concern across Europe about X’s role in amplifying divisive political content. Musk’s personal support of Germany’s far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party has triggered public backlash, including widespread Tesla boycotts and a sharp decline in sales across the country.
X has faced legal troubles elsewhere too. In Brazil, the platform was temporarily banned after being accused of inciting political unrest. That dispute resulted in multimillion-dollar fines.
French centrist lawmaker Eric Bothorel welcomed the investigation, citing a decline in diversity of opinion on X and a lack of transparency in its algorithm. “X has become a threat to democracy,” he stated in a post on the platform.
Neither Elon Musk nor X has issued a response to the French investigation as of now.
