Probe into X's activities in France: firm denies claims of 'orchestrated tampering'
In a significant development, French authorities have broadened their criminal investigation against Elon Musk's social media platform, Twitter (formerly X), on charges of organized manipulation and fraudulent data extraction. The Paris prosecutor's office announced the probe on July 11, 2025, focusing on two primary allegations: alteration of the operation and fraudulent extraction of data from computer systems by an organized group.
The investigation, initiated in February, follows complaints from French lawmaker Eric Bothorel and an unnamed senior civil servant, who accused Twitter of playing a role in political interference operations in Europe. The inquiry has now been assigned to the national gendarmerie, enabling prosecutors to conduct search and seizure operations and interviews.
At the heart of the allegations are suspicions that Twitter altered its content recommendation algorithms to favor certain political themes and candidates, particularly highlighting content favorable to the far right, such as Germany’s Alternativ für Deutschland (AfD)—a party Musk has publicly supported. The company is also accused of unlawfully extracting user data, raising concerns about privacy and potential misuse for political ends.
French authorities have requested access to Twitter’s recommendation algorithms and real-time data about all user posts to allow experts to analyze and verify the platform’s operations. However, Twitter has refused these demands, asserting its legal right to do so.
Elon Musk's Twitter has strongly denied all allegations of algorithm manipulation and fraudulent data extraction made by French authorities. In a public statement on July 21, 2025, Twitter stated it has no involvement in organized manipulation or data extraction as claimed and has not complied with demands to hand over sensitive operational data to French investigators.
This case reflects growing European scrutiny over the influence of major tech platforms on democratic processes, particularly around elections. The legal action in France signals a hardening stance against foreign-owned platforms suspected of manipulating public discourse for political gain.
The case is ongoing, with French authorities seeking evidence through legal and technical means, while Twitter maintains its innocence and challenges the legitimacy of the investigation’s demands. Employees of Twitter are being summoned for questioning as part of the expanded investigation. The investigation against Twitter is now broader in scope, potentially involving more aspects of the company's operations.
Critics accuse Musk of playing a role in Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election and his calls for the election of right-wing parties like the AfD in Europe. However, the expanded investigation does not clarify whether the allegations against Musk of influencing public opinion through his activities on the platform are still part of the investigation. Similarly, the investigation does not clarify whether the allegations against Musk of playing a role in foreign interference are still being pursued.
Elon Musk, the owner of Twitter, is a US billionaire. Twitter, a short messaging service, has nearly 223 million followers, including Musk himself. Despite the ongoing investigation, Twitter has rejected these allegations and continues to operate as usual.
- The expanded investigation against Elon Musk's Twitter involves a scrutiny of their community policy and employment policy, as officials seek to verify if the platform has manipulated content recommendations and unlawfully extracted user data.
- The ongoing investigation into Elon Musk's Twitter also broadens to encompass their technology and social-media policies, as officials are concerned about the potential impact on entertainment and political Arena's from algorithm manipulation and data extraction.
