X Under Global Scrutiny: French Raid, UK Probe, and Allegations of Algorithm Abuse
A wave of legal challenges is mounting against social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, as authorities in France and the United Kingdom launch investigations into its algorithms, data practices, and artificial intelligence chatbot, Grok. The escalating scrutiny follows accusations of biased content moderation and potential violations of user privacy, prompting a forceful response from X and its owner, Elon Musk, who has labeled the French raid a “political attack.”
The immediate catalyst for the international pressure is a raid conducted by French police on X’s offices in Paris on Tuesday, as part of an investigation initiated in 2025. According to Reuters, the Paris public prosecutor’s cybercrime unit carried out the search, subsequently summoning both Musk and former X CEO Linda Yaccarino to provide evidence on April 20. The probe was opened following a complaint from a lawmaker alleging that biased algorithms on the platform may have distorted automated data processing systems.
Prosecutors are now examining potential algorithm abuse and the fraudulent extraction of data by X or its leadership. This investigation has expanded to include Grok, the AI chatbot developed by Musk’s xAI and integrated into the platform. Simultaneously, Britain’s Information Commissioner’s Office announced a formal investigation into Grok, focusing on its handling of personal data and reports that the chatbot has been used to generate inappropriate content, including nonconsensual sexual imagery involving children.
X has vehemently criticized the French authorities’ actions, asserting that prosecutors bypassed established international legal mechanisms. In a statement posted on the platform, the company claimed the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office was attempting to “exert pressure on X’s senior management in the United States” by targeting its French entity and employees. X further alleged that prosecutors disregarded established procedures for obtaining evidence “in compliance with international treaties” and the company’s right to legal defense.
Musk echoed this sentiment, posting on X that the raid constituted a “political attack.”
The situation is further complicated by support from Europol, the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation, which stated it is assisting the French investigation with the aid of the French Gendarmerie’s cybercrime unit. “The investigation concerns a range of suspected criminal offences linked to the functioning and use of the platform, including the dissemination of illegal content and other forms of online criminal activity,” Europol said in a statement. “Europol stands ready to continue supporting the French authorities as the investigation progresses.”
Adding to the pressure, the Paris prosecutor’s office has announced it will cease all communication on X, according to Reuters. This decision underscores the escalating tensions between the platform and French legal authorities.
The investigations come amid broader concerns about the impact of social media algorithms on public discourse and the safety of online users. France’s lawmakers recently declared a “battle for free minds” after approving a social media ban for children under 15.
Notably, an ex-FBI agent previously urged a criminal probe into Musk’s X, drawing parallels to the controversy surrounding Hillary Clinton’s email practices. This highlights the growing scrutiny of Musk’s leadership and the potential for legal repercussions.
As the investigations unfold, the future of X and its innovative, yet controversial, AI technologies remains uncertain. The outcome of these probes could have significant implications for the platform’s operations, its user base, and the broader landscape of social media regulation.
