Key Points
- French prosecutors summon Elon Musk and former chief executive of X for questioning in April
- Paris cybercrime unit raids X’s French offices, supported by national police and European law enforcement
- Investigation examines algorithm operations, artificial intelligence features, and content moderation practices
- Case highlights growing European scrutiny of global social media companies
PARIS: Elon Musk, the head of the social media platform X, and its former chief executive have been summoned by French prosecutors as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into the company, authorities said on Tuesday.
The summons, scheduled for April, was issued by the Paris prosecutor’s cybercrime unit, which also carried out searches at X’s French offices with assistance from national police and the European law enforcement agency Europol.
The probe, which began in early 2025, focuses on the platform’s algorithmic operations and use of artificial intelligence systems.
French authorities have not publicly disclosed specific alleged offences, but they stated that the investigation covers content moderation practices and automated recommendation systems that may affect users.
The inquiry was triggered after concerns were raised by a French lawmaker about potential distortions caused by automated processes on the platform.
Spokespeople for X and Elon Musk have previously denied any wrongdoing.
Analysts say the case is notable as a coordinated European legal action targeting a major U.S. tech executive, reflecting intensified regulatory scrutiny of how global social media firms govern content and data practices.
The ongoing investigation could have broader implications for how tech companies operate across jurisdictions with differing legal expectations and oversight standards.
Elon Musk, X platform, French Prosecutors, Social Media Regulation, Cybercrime Investigation, Algorithm Oversight, European Law Enforcement
