Elon Musk's company, X, announces non-compliance with a 'politically driven' French investigation
Elon Musk's recently acquired social media platform X is under investigation by French prosecutors for allegations of algorithm manipulation and misuse of user data. The probe, which was initiated by French lawmaker Eric Bothorel, has stirred controversy and raised concerns about free speech and political motivations.
## Current Status of the Investigation
French prosecutors have launched a preliminary criminal investigation into X following complaints about alleged algorithmic bias and data extraction. The investigation was instigated by Bothorel, who accused X of manipulating its algorithm for 'foreign interference' purposes[5]. The platform denies all allegations and claims the investigation is politically motivated, threatening free speech[1][4].
## Concerns Raised by X
X accuses French prosecutors of conducting a "politically-motivated criminal investigation" aimed at restricting free speech. The company argues that the investigation distorts French law to serve a political agenda[1][3]. X also contends that the accusations of algorithmic bias or fraudulent data extraction are unfounded and part of an effort to restrict the free flow of information on the platform[3][4].
In response to the investigation, X has announced that it will not cooperate with the authorities, citing legal rights to do so and expressing skepticism about the legitimacy of the probe[1][3].
## Responses and Reactions
Maziyar Panahi, who has worked with David Chavalarias on research projects, claims his name was mentioned in the investigation due to these collaborations[6]. Panahi has also stated that the investigation demonstrates a lack of regard for others' lives[2]. Chavalarias did not respond to a request for comment.
David Chavalarias and Maziyar Panahi have been accused by X of exhibiting open hostility towards the company[7]. In response, Panahi denies any involvement in the investigation and threatens legal action for defamation[2].
Pavel Durov, the founder of the Telegram messaging app, who is also under judicial supervision in France for alleged organised crime on the app, has referred to the French investigation as a crusade against free speech and tech progress[8].
Bothorel and the Paris prosecutors' office did not respond to requests for comment.
## Wider Implications
The French probe could deepen a rift between Washington and European capitals over online discourse, with allegations of censoring right-wing voices[9]. Early in July, Elon Musk responded to a post on X that the French "bureaucrats" investigating X are "waging a crusade against free speech and tech progress"[8]. Musk, the founder of X, has also accused European governments of attacking free speech and has voiced support for some far-right parties in the region.
As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how X will respond and whether the allegations will have lasting implications for the platform and the broader tech industry.
- The investigation into Elon Musk's social media platform X, led by French prosecutors, has sparked concerns within the tech industry about potential implications for free speech, especially in the context of politics and general news.
- X, under investigation for alleged algorithm manipulation and data misuse, asserts that the probe is politically motivated and a threat to free speech, potentially impacting the flow of entertainment and social-media-related content on the platform.
