Elon Musk’s X Under Criminal Investigation in France for Alleged Political Interference and Data Manipulation

By Our Correspondent

The social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, and its influential owner Elon Musk are now at the center of a widening criminal investigation in France over allegations of serious cybercrime and political interference.

In a statement issued on July 11, Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed that the preliminary inquiry, launched earlier this year, has formally expanded to target “the X platform (formerly Twitter), [a] legal entity and [some] individuals.” The case was handed over to the national gendarmerie on July 9 for further investigative action.

Though no individuals have been publicly named, the inclusion of “individuals” strongly suggests that senior figures within the company—including possibly Musk himself—may be under scrutiny.

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Scope of the Investigation: Allegations of Cybercrime

At the heart of the probe are two grave accusations:

“Alteration of the operation of a computer system,” and

“Fraudulent extraction of data by an organized group.”

Both offenses are classified as major cybercrimes under French law, carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to €300,000.

The involvement of the gendarmerie grants investigators the authority to conduct raids, seize digital evidence, and question both witnesses and suspects. These measures are expected to significantly deepen the inquiry.

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Political Origins and Content Manipulation Claims

The investigation began in February 2025 following two formal complaints. One was filed by Eric Bothorel, a centrist lawmaker with the Ensemble pour la République party, who accused X of algorithmically favoring far-right political content.

Bothorel’s complaint alleged that the platform’s content algorithms manipulated political narratives to favor extremist views—most notably those of Germany’s far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party during recent European elections.

According to the complaint, X allegedly promoted far-right themes disproportionately, thereby influencing public opinion and potentially altering democratic outcomes across Europe.

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Musk’s Leadership and Growing Legal Pressure

Elon Musk, who acquired Twitter in late 2022 and rebranded it as X, has implemented controversial changes to the platform’s moderation policies and algorithmic systems. Critics argue these reforms have emboldened misinformation and hate speech, while weakening institutional safeguards against manipulation.

Although Musk has not been named directly in the prosecutor’s statement, his role is under intense legal and ethical scrutiny. Given his hands-on approach to platform management, investigators are likely to probe whether he or other senior executives authorized—or were aware of—the alleged misconduct.

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Global Implications for Social Media Accountability

This investigation underscores escalating global concern over the influence of social media on democratic processes. France, with its robust legal framework for combatting cybercrime and political interference, is positioning itself at the forefront of efforts to hold tech companies accountable.

Should evidence of wrongdoing emerge, the legal ramifications could be far-reaching. The inquiry may result in:

Criminal charges against X and key individuals,

Stricter regulations on platform algorithms,

And new precedents for holding tech CEOs personally liable for digital misconduct.

The outcome could reshape how social media platforms operate—not just in France but across the European Union and beyond.

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What Comes Next?

With the gendarmerie now leading the case, investigations are expected to escalate. Authorities may raid X’s Paris offices, analyze internal communications, scrutinize algorithmic codes, and interrogate top executives.

If criminal conduct is proven, prosecutions could follow, setting a historic precedent in digital governance.

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Conclusion: A Turning Point in Tech Regulation

The unfolding legal drama around X and Elon Musk marks a pivotal moment in the global reckoning with Big Tech’s influence. As France presses forward, the world watches closely to see whether one of the most powerful figures in technology can be held to account for how his platform shapes political reality.

What happens next could define the future of democracy in the digital age.