Elon Musk’s social network targeted by an investigation for interference in France

Alain Jocard / AFP

The Paris prosecutor’s office opened an investigation into the Elon Musk social network after accusations. For example, of foreign interference.

SOCIAL NETWORKS-Has platform X voluntarily biased its algorithm, to the point of altering democratic debate in France? Meanwhile, The cybercrime section of the Paris prosecutor’s office opened a criminal investigation targeting the social network. Therefore, owned by Elon Musk, as well as its leaders, after accusations of foreign interference.

The investigation was opened Wednesday, July 9, said the Paris Laure prosecutor this Friday. Furthermore, This comes after two reports received on January 12. However, which “Reported on the supposed use elon musk’s social network targeted of X (ex-Twitter) algorithm for foreign interference”details the prosecution.

The first came from the Macronist MP for Côtes-d’Armor specialists in these questions, Eric Bothorel. Therefore, He alerted the prosecution on “Recent changes in X algorithm. Similarly, as well as apparent interference in its management since its acquisition by Elon Musk” In 2022.

He underlined a “Reduction of the diversity of voices. options”a platform that moves away from a goal of “Guarantee a safe and respectful environment for everyone”and “Lack of clarity as to the criteria that led to changes in algorithms and moderation decisions”as well as “Personal interventions by Elon Musk”.

“Major modification in the algorithm” – Elon musk's social network targeted

In a statement published this Friday. July 10, Eric Bothorel said “Very happy that French justice gives itself the means to fight against these foreign interference. “” Democracy is far too fragile to leave apprentice wizards. elon musk’s social network targeted owners of digital platforms, tell us what to think, for those to vote or even hate “he added.

According to information from the Duck chained in February. the second report came from a director of cybersecurity in the public service, who was worried about“A major modification in the algorithm used by the X platform which today offers a lot of hateful, racist, anti-LGBT+political content, homophobic and which therefore aim to biaise democratic debate in France”.

The prosecution. which had confirmed in early February studying these reports, said in its press release on Friday to have opened this procedure “On the basis of checks, contributions from French researchers and elements provided by various public institutions”.

The survey was entrusted to the Directorate General of the National Gendarmerie. and ” notably “ On the following offenses: alteration of the operation of an automated processing system in elon musk’s social network targeted organized band, as well as fraudulent data of data from an automated processing system in organized band. At this stage. the criminal qualification mentioned in the press release does not include the aggravating circumstance of foreign interference, provided for by a law promulgated in July 2024, but this can evolve during the investigation.

European survey

The boss of X France. Laurent Buanec, had provided on January 22 on his social network that “X has strict, clear and public rules aimed at protecting the platform from hate speeches”, “Fight against disinformation” and that his algorithm “Is built so as to avoid offering you hateful content. »»

Elon Musk is very regularly expressed on domestic. international news on X, and has been accused of wanting to influence democratic debate in Great Britain or Germany in recent months, where legislative elections were held in February. At the elon musk’s social network targeted end of December. he had estimated in a message on X that “Only AFD”far -right German formation, “Can save Germany”.

The comment had sparked a keen excitement in Europe. The former European digital commissioner Thierry Breton had then qualified the remark “Foreign interference”. The head of French diplomacy Jean-Noël Barrot exhorted Brussels in early January to protect the EU member states against. interference in the European public debate.

At European level, the European Commission opened in December 2023 a “Formal investigation” Aiming X. The network was formally questioned in July 2024 for several alleged offenses. For each of them. and for lack of compliance, the Commission could impose on Elon Musk a fine of up to 6% of the annual global turnover of all the companies it controls, or several billion euros.