French authorities have officially launched a criminal investigation into social media platform X (formerly Twitter), focusing on allegations of algorithm manipulation and unlawful data extraction. The probe is being led by the Paris public prosecutor’s office, which has now escalated the case by involving the French national police (Gendarmerie).
The investigation stems from a formal complaint filed earlier this year by a French member of parliament and a government official. They alleged that X’s recommendation algorithms had been altered in a way that could potentially serve foreign interests and influence public opinion—raising concerns about digital interference in democratic discourse.
The prosecutor’s office is exploring two potential criminal offenses: manipulation of automated data processing systems and organized data extraction. According to official statements, the request made to X does not concern private user data but instead seeks access to technical details about how its content recommendation algorithms operate.
So far, X has denied all accusations and refused to cooperate with French authorities. In public statements, the company described the investigation as politically motivated and characterized it as an attack on free expression. X maintains that its systems comply with both European and international law and has declined to provide the requested algorithmic data.
The case is unfolding amid growing scrutiny of social media platforms across the European Union, particularly under the bloc’s new Digital Services Act (DSA), which aims to ensure transparency and accountability in digital operations. If the investigation leads to formal charges and a conviction, individuals or entities involved could face penalties of up to 10 years in prison under French law.
This probe marks a significant moment in the EU’s efforts to regulate big tech, and it could set a precedent for how platform accountability is enforced in cross-border contexts.
