Elon Musk’s social media platform X has refuted allegations of data tampering and fraud brought forth by French prosecutors, characterizing them as politically motivated.
X’s response follows an announcement earlier this month from the Paris prosecutor’s office, which initiated an investigation into the two alleged offenses.
According to prosecutors, both offenses are related to an “automated data processing system.” However, they have released limited details regarding the alleged misconduct.
If proven, these offenses could lead to a jail sentence of up to 10 years in France.
X claims that French authorities have launched a “politically-motivated criminal investigation into X over the alleged manipulation of its algorithm and alleged ‘fraudulent data extraction’.”
“X categorically denies these allegations,” the platform stated in a post from its Global Government Affairs account.
French authorities have launched a politically-motivated criminal investigation into X over the alleged manipulation of its algorithm and alleged “fraudulent data extraction.” X categorically denies these allegations.
This investigation, instigated by French politician Eric…
— Global Government Affairs (@GlobalAffairs) July 21, 2025
The prosecutor’s office stated that the investigation was triggered by information provided to its cyber crimes unit in January by two individuals.
These individuals include a member of parliament and a senior official from a French government institution. Their identities and the specific institution remain undisclosed.
Prosecutors allege that the two individuals suspect the use of X’s algorithm for “purposes of foreign interference,” though no further details were provided.
X maintains that it “remains in the dark” regarding the specific allegations.
“However, based on what we know so far, X believes that this investigation is distorting French law in order to serve a political agenda and, ultimately, restrict free speech.”
The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed that it has requested X to grant police investigators access to its algorithm as part of the ongoing probe.
This request was formally made in a letter last week. The office emphasized that “investigators are bound by confidentiality and that only those in charge of the investigation will have access”.
According to the prosecutor’s office, a formal response from X has not yet been received.