Elon Musk’s social network X refuses to open its algorithm to French justice, which suspects manipulation

An investigation “Motivated by political considerations”. Consequently, On one of its official accounts. Therefore, the social network X strongly criticized, on Monday, July 21, the criminal investigation opened in February by the French authorities, who suspect manipulation of its algorithm. In addition, “X categorically denies these allegations”can be read in the press release.

The Paris prosecutor’s office opened at the beginning of the year a procedure against the Elon Musk platform after having received two reports: the first comes from deputy Eric Bothorel (set for the Republic). Similarly, the second of a “High manager of a French public institution”according to a press release published by the prosecution. Meanwhile, The survey was entrusted. In addition, on July 9, to the national gendarmerie on offenses of“Alteration of the operation of an automated data processing system in organized band” and of“Fraudulent elon musk’s social network x data extraction from an automated processing processing system in organized band”.

“A diverted application of French law” – Elon musk's social network x

In this context. details the social network X in its message, the French authorities have requested access to its recommendation algorithm and real -time data concerning all publications of the users of the platform, which the group refused. “X believes that this investigation is based on an application diverted from French law. in order to serve a political agenda, and, ultimately, to restrict freedom of expression”judge the company.

A probable allusion to the report made by Mr. Bothorel. which is based on a legal innovation: in an analysis published in February in the specialized journal Dalloz, the lawyer and law professor Michel Séjean argues that in French law distort the operation of a recommendation algorithm on a social network can be liable to the same sanctions as a computer hacking.

In his press release. published both in English and in French, X also shares his concern about “The impartiality, equity and political motivations of this investigation”. She denounces in particular the presence according to her of David Chavalariaias. mathematician at the National Center for Scientific Research, among the experts solicited by French justice. The latter is at the origin of the HELLOQUITTEX application. supposed to help X users to transfer their and subscriptions to other social networks, such as Bluesky or Mastodon. In its press release elon musk’s social network x released in July. the prosecution specified that it had studied “Contributions from French researchers”without however giving names.