French authorities have launched an investigation into allegations that social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, manipulated its algorithm to enable foreign interference, the Paris prosecutor's office announced on Friday, July 11.
The investigation follows two complaints filed on January 12, raising concerns about how the platform's algorithm may have been altered in ways that could compromise democratic discourse in France. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed that the probe will examine the actions of the company and its senior executives, though she did not explicitly name X's owner, Elon Musk.
One of the complaints was filed by centrist lawmaker Eric Bothorel, a member of President Emmanuel Macron's party who has previously worked on cybersecurity issues. Bothorel expressed concerns about "recent changes to the X algorithm, as well as apparent interference in its management since Elon Musk acquired" the company in 2022. He warned that the changes had led to "a reduction in the diversity of voices and options," undermining the platform's role as a space for secure and respectful discourse.
Bothorel also criticized what he described as "a lack of clarity in criteria that led to algorithm changes and moderation decisions," as well as "personal interventions from Elon Musk in the management on his platform." These factors, he said, pose "a real danger and a threat for our democracies."
A second complaint reportedly came from a cybersecurity director in the French public administration, according to French weekly Le Canard Enchaîné. The official raised alarm over a "major modification in the algorithm used by the X platform," claiming it now promotes content that is "hateful, racist, anti-LGBTQ (or) homophobic" and contributes to a distortion of political debate in France.
Prosecutor Beccuau said the investigation was initiated after "verifications and contributions by French researchers" and additional information from political institutions. Authorities are currently investigating possible offenses involving "organised data system manipulation." Although these actions are not yet legally defined as "foreign interference" under France's 2024 law, the classification could change as the investigation progresses.
X's France director, Laurent Buanec, previously defended the platform in January, stating that the company maintains "strict, clear and public rules to protect the platform from hateful discourse" and to combat disinformation. He claimed the algorithm was "built in a way to avoid offering you hateful content."
The investigation adds to growing scrutiny of Elon Musk's influence over X, particularly in Europe. Musk has drawn criticism for weighing in on domestic political matters in countries such as Germany and the UK, including expressing support for Germany's far-right AfD party. Former EU digital affairs commissioner Thierry Breton of France previously described Musk's pro-AfD comments as "foreign interference."
The European Commission opened a separate probe against X in December 2023 and in July 2024 accused the platform of violating EU digital service regulations. If found in breach, X could face fines amounting to billions of euros.
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