Elon Musk Skips French Court Summons Over X's AI Deepfake Probe
Tech billionaire Elon Musk failed to appear for a voluntary interview in Paris on Monday, as part of an ongoing French investigation into his social media platform X. Prosecutors informed AFP that they had "taken note of the absence of the first people summoned," without explicitly naming Musk. This development follows Musk's earlier criticism of French authorities, whom he labeled "retards" in a French-language post on X weeks prior.
Investigation Details and Scope
The French authorities issued a summons for Musk in February, as part of a probe launched in January 2025. Initially, the investigation focused on allegations that X's algorithm was used to interfere in French politics. However, it was later expanded to include an examination of X's AI chatbot Grok, specifically its dissemination of Holocaust denials and sexual deepfakes. Prosecutors emphasized that the absence of summoned individuals would not hinder the continuation of the investigation.
Previous Actions and Responses
In early February, French prosecutors conducted searches at the Paris offices of X, which the social media company condemned as "politicized" raids and an "abusive judicial act." At that time, Musk and then-CEO Linda Yaccarino were summoned for voluntary interviews as the "de facto and de jure managers of the X platform at the time of the events." Musk dismissed this move as a "political attack." Yaccarino resigned as CEO in July last year after two years leading the company.
Witness Summons and Legal Focus
Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau stated in February that X employees had also been summoned to appear between April 20 and 24 to provide witness testimonies. The Paris prosecutor's office reiterated on Saturday that the appearance or non-appearance of those invited for voluntary questioning would not obstruct the investigation. Officials have not disclosed specific details regarding the location or timing of Musk's scheduled interview.
Criminal Offenses Under Scrutiny
The French investigation is centered on several suspected criminal offenses, including complicity in possessing child sexual abuse material and denial of crimes against humanity. In July, X labeled the probe as "politically motivated," reflecting ongoing tensions between the platform and French regulatory bodies. This case highlights broader concerns about AI ethics, content moderation, and the legal responsibilities of social media platforms in the digital age.
