France Summons Elon Musk for Voluntary Interview, Raids X Offices in Cybercrime Investigation
French authorities have taken significant legal action against social media platform X and its leadership, summoning billionaire owner Elon Musk for a voluntary interview and executing a search operation at the company's French offices. The Paris public prosecutor's office confirmed these developments on Tuesday, marking a major escalation in an ongoing cybercrime investigation that has drawn international attention.
Investigation Focuses on Algorithmic Influence in French Politics
The operation, conducted with support from European Union police agency Europol, connects directly to a probe launched in January 2025. This investigation centers on serious allegations that X's algorithm may have been deliberately manipulated to influence French political discourse and public opinion. Prosecutors have described this as a matter of significant national concern.
In an official statement, prosecutors confirmed: "A search is being conducted today at the French premises of the X platform." They further revealed that summonses for voluntary interviews scheduled for April 20, 2026, in Paris were delivered to both Elon Musk and former X chief executive Linda Yaccarino. Authorities identified them as the platform's de facto and de jure managers during the period when the alleged incidents occurred.
Expanding Scope of the Cybercrime Probe
Paris cybercrime prosecutors initially requested a police investigation in July 2025, following complaints filed earlier that same January. These complaints alleged multiple offences including manipulation and extraction of data from automated systems, with prosecutors suggesting these actions were carried out "as part of a criminal gang."
One prominent complaint came from Eric Bothorel, a lawmaker representing President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party. Bothorel accused the platform of reducing diversity of opinions and specifically pointed to Elon Musk's personal interventions in X's management following his 2022 takeover of the company. This political dimension has added complexity to the investigation.
According to prosecutors, the investigation expanded significantly after additional reports raised serious concerns about the role of X's AI chatbot, Grok. These reports suggested the artificial intelligence system was involved in spreading Holocaust denial content and distributing sexual deepfake material across the platform, prompting broader examination of content moderation practices.
International Reactions and Company Response
X has consistently rejected all allegations against the platform. In January 2025, Laurent Buanec, the company's France director, defended X's operations, insisting the platform operates under "strict, clear and public rules" specifically designed to combat hate speech and disinformation. The company has characterized the investigation as politically motivated, suggesting external pressures rather than genuine legal concerns.
The probe has generated substantial international attention and diplomatic tension. The United States government condemned the investigation in July, warning it would defend the free speech rights of Americans against what it described as foreign censorship attempts. This position reflects broader concerns about extraterritorial application of national laws to global technology platforms.
Separately, the European Union opened its own investigation into X in late January, focusing specifically on Grok's generation of sexualized deepfake images involving women and minors. This EU action has proceeded despite repeated warnings from the administration of US President Donald Trump, which has threatened retaliation against what it views as enforcement of tech regulations that restrict free speech and unfairly target American companies operating in European markets.
Background Context and Leadership Changes
Linda Yaccarino, who received a summons alongside Elon Musk, stepped down as X's chief executive in July last year after serving two years in the leadership role. Her departure preceded the current legal developments but places her within the timeframe of the alleged incidents under investigation. The voluntary interview requests represent a significant legal development that could have implications for how global social media platforms operate within European jurisdictions.
The French investigation continues to develop as authorities examine technical evidence, algorithmic processes, and content moderation practices at one of the world's most influential social media platforms. This case represents a critical test of how national governments can regulate global technology companies that operate across multiple legal jurisdictions while balancing concerns about free expression, political influence, and digital rights.
