Social media platform X, owned by Elon Musk, has criticized a French investigation into alleged foreign influence and algorithmic manipulation on its platform, describing the probe as “politically motivated.”
In a statement released on Monday, the company said it would not comply with demands from French authorities, asserting its legal right to withhold access to sensitive platform data.
“X believes that this investigation is distorting French law in order to serve a political agenda and, ultimately, restrict free speech,” the company said in its official response.
According to the statement, the social network declined requests from French officials to grant access to its recommendation algorithm and real-time data, maintaining that its refusal is within its rights under applicable legal frameworks.
The French cybercrime prosecutor’s office launched the investigation on July 11, citing potential criminal activities involving the manipulation and extraction of data from automated systems “as part of a criminal gang.” Authorities opened the probe after receiving two formal complaints in January, one of which was filed by French lawmaker Eric Bothorel, a member of President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Renaissance party.
Bothorel’s complaint focused on what he described as a “reduced diversity of voices and options” on the platform since Musk’s 2022 acquisition of Twitter, now rebranded as X. He also alleged that Musk’s direct involvement in the platform’s operations was influencing public discourse in a concerning manner.
Musk, who also leads Tesla and SpaceX, has stirred political debate in Europe through his online activities. His open support for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party ahead of the country’s February legislative elections has added to the controversy surrounding his stewardship of the platform.
Following the investigation’s launch, Bothorel emphasized the need to prevent undue influence by digital platform owners on democratic systems. “Democracy is too fragile to let digital platform owners tell us what to think, who to vote for or even who to hate,” he said.
In its rebuttal, X categorically denied the accusations. “Mr Bothorel has accused X of manipulating its algorithm for ‘foreign interference’ purposes, an allegation which is completely false,” the company said.
At present, it remains unclear whether the investigation is being pursued under France’s recently enacted legislation targeting foreign interference in domestic politics. This law was passed in 2023 with the aim of protecting democratic processes from external manipulation.
X also expressed concern over the impartiality of experts appointed by the French government to scrutinize its algorithm. The company criticized the selection of mathematician David Chavalarias and computer scientist Maziyar Panahi, noting both individuals are connected to a project called “HelloQuitteX,” which encourages users to transition from X to alternative social networks.
The company argued that this association calls into question the neutrality and objectivity of the investigation. “Picking them raises serious concerns about the impartiality, fairness and political motivations of the investigation,” X stated.
Furthermore, X objected to the legal framing of the case, particularly the use of the “organised gang” designation. The platform contended that this aggravating classification is typically reserved for serious criminal entities like drug cartels or mafia organizations, and should not apply to a social media operation.
By invoking the organized crime clause, the company said, French authorities have expanded their investigative powers — including potential surveillance measures such as wiretapping X employees’ personal devices.
In conclusion, X is pushing back forcefully against what it sees as an overreach by the French government, characterizing the probe as an attack on digital expression and a misuse of the judicial system for political purposes.
What you should know
Elon Musk’s X is under investigation in France over allegations of foreign interference and algorithmic bias, but the platform is refusing to cooperate.
The company says the probe is politically charged and legally flawed. French authorities argue that the platform may be influencing political discourse and violating democratic norms — an accusation X strongly denies.
