French Police Investigate X's Algorithm and AI Program Amid Concerns of Misinformation

On Tuesday, French police conducted a search of the Paris offices of X, the social network owned by American billionaire Elon Musk. This investigation stems from a probe initiated by the Paris prosecutors' office in January 2025, following concerns raised by parliamentarian Eric Bothorel, a member of President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party, Renaissance. Bothorel has been vocal in his criticism of the changes to X's algorithm since Musk's acquisition, arguing that these modifications have led to increased dissemination of false and biased information. The Paris prosecutors clarified that, over time, several additional reports had come to light, leading them to broaden the scope of the ongoing investigation. Notably, some of these reports focus on Grok, an artificial intelligence program integrated with X, which was capable of modifying shared photos on the platform, including the removal of individuals depicted in them, even minors. This particular feature has since been disabled following the concerns raised. As part of the inquiry, the prosecutors' office announced that both Elon Musk and Linda Yaccarino, the director of X from 2023 to 2025, have been summoned for questioning in Paris on April 20, 2026. French media outlets have reported that the investigation is intended to be constructive, aiming to ensure that X adheres to French legislation regarding the management of information and user privacy. This investigation marks a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue about social media governance and the responsibilities of tech companies in safeguarding against misinformation. As X continues to navigate the complex landscape of online communication, the outcomes of this inquiry could have far-reaching implications for its operations in France and potentially beyond. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2 • Source 3 • Source 4