Elon Musk’s X Targeted in Paris Prosecutors’ Raid – TechRepublic

Paris prosecutors have raided the French offices of Elon Musk’s social media platform X as part of a widening criminal investigation into how content is recommended on the platform and the role played by its AI systems.

Police specialising in cybercrime, assisted by Europol, carried out the raid, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office. Investigators said the operation was linked to an inquiry into X’s recommendation algorithm, which has now been expanded to include scrutiny of the company’s AI chatbot, Grok.

The prosecutor’s office said the investigation now spans several potential criminal offences and reflects growing concern among European authorities over the impact of large social media platforms and generative AI tools on public safety, individual rights, and democratic norms.

X has not responded publicly to the raid.

Background to the investigation

The investigation into X began in January 2025, initially focusing on whether the platform’s algorithm unlawfully promoted certain types of content. In July 2025, prosecutors expanded the scope of the probe following reports that sexually explicit deepfakes and holocaust denial material were circulating widely on the platform.

At the time, X rejected the allegations and described the inquiry as an attack on free speech. The company later characterised the expanded probe as “politically-motivated” and denied that it had manipulated its algorithm to amplify harmful or illegal content.

French prosecutors say the investigation has since deepened, with authorities now examining whether X may have breached French law in multiple areas, including the handling of illegal imagery and the use of automated systems to extract or process data.

Summons issued to senior figures

As part of the probe, prosecutors confirmed that Musk and former X chief executive Linda Yaccarino have both been summoned to appear at hearings in April. It is not yet clear whether either will attend in person or be represented by legal counsel.

The involvement of Musk, who is also the owner of X and head of its parent companies, underscores the seriousness of the investigation and the willingness of French authorities to pursue accountability at the highest corporate levels.

Prosecutors say the inquiry is examining whether the platform may be complicit in offences such as possession or organised distribution of images of children of a pornographic nature, infringement of individuals’ image rights through sexual deepfakes, and fraudulent data extraction by an organised group.

Algorithmic accountability and AI scrutiny

A central focus of the case is X’s recommendation algorithm and whether it may have contributed to the spread of illegal or harmful content. Regulators across Europe have increasingly argued that algorithmic amplification can play a decisive role in driving the visibility and reach of such material, even when companies claim to be neutral hosts.

The inclusion of Grok, X’s AI chatbot developed by Musk’s AI company xAI, marks a significant escalation. Grok has recently been criticised for enabling the generation and editing of sexualised images, often involving real women without their consent.

Following widespread backlash from victims, online safety campaigners, and politicians, X introduced restrictions to prevent the practice. However, critics argue that safeguards were implemented too late and only after significant harm had already occurred.

In late January, the European Commission announced a separate investigation into xAI over concerns related to these images, highlighting growing regulatory scrutiny of generative AI systems operating within the EU. A similar probe has previously been launched by the UK regulator Ofcom.

Broader legal and political implications

The raid comes amid a broader European push to enforce stricter rules on digital platforms under laws such as the EU’s Digital Services Act, which places new obligations on companies to tackle illegal content and mitigate systemic risks.

If prosecutors conclude that X breached French law, the consequences could include heavy fines, court-ordered changes to its systems, or further regulatory action across the EU. The case may also set an important precedent for how national authorities investigate the role of algorithms and AI tools in content moderation failures.

The prosecutor’s office added an unusual footnote to its announcement, saying it would no longer post updates on X and would instead communicate via LinkedIn and Instagram. The move appears to reflect strained relations between French authorities and the platform, as well as broader concerns about relying on X as an official communications channel.

X’s stance and next steps

X has consistently framed regulatory action in Europe as an attempt to curb free expression.

For now, prosecutors say the investigation is ongoing and that further actions, including additional raids or summons, have not been ruled out. The upcoming hearings involving Musk and Yaccarino are likely to be a key moment in determining how aggressively French authorities pursue the case.

As governments grapple with the rapid rise of AI-driven platforms, the outcome of the French investigation could have far-reaching implications for how social media companies design their algorithms, deploy AI tools, and respond to demands for greater accountability in the digital age.

In December, X shut down the European Commission’s ad account after a €120 million DSA fine, sparking a tense clash over transparency, platform rules, and rising political fallout.