French justice puts X under the scope: search of its offices and summons for Elon Musk
Authorities are investigating the alleged manipulation of algorithms and the dissemination of sensitive content on the social network formerly known as Twitter.
The legal landscape for X (formerly Twitter) is becoming more complicated in Europe. On Tuesday, the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office conducted a search of the platform’s offices in France as part of an investigation that has been ongoing since early 2025. The action was not limited to reviewing documents and equipment: French authorities have also formally summoned Elon Musk, the company’s owner, to testify on April 20.
This move marks a turning point in how European governments supervise big tech companies. The operation was carried out by the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office’s cybercrime unit, with support from the National Gendarmerie and Europol, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations under investigation.
Une perquisition est diligentée dans les locaux français de X par la section de lutte contre la cybercriminalité du parquet de Paris avec @CyberGEND et @Europol dans le cadre de l'enquête ouverte en janvier 2025. Le parquet de Paris quitte X. Retrouvez-nous sur Lkd et insta. pic.twitter.com/tJQE02l4Qj
— Parquet de Paris (@parquetdeParis) February 3, 2026
Why is the French justice system investigating Musk’s social network?
The main investigation focuses on the possible manipulation of algorithms. Authorities suspect that the platform could be facilitating foreign interference by modifying the visibility of certain content. Added to this are serious complaints received throughout 2025 pointing to flaws in the moderation of Grok, X’s artificial intelligence.
According to the investigations, the use of this AI would have allowed:
- The dissemination of content that denies historical facts (denialism).
- The creation and spread of sexual deepfakes.
- Alleged violations related to the protection of minors.
For the average user, this means that the courts seek to ensure transparency in the content that appears on the “timeline” and prevent the platform from becoming an unsafe environment or one that is influenced by external interests.
What does the subpoena of Elon Musk and Linda Yaccarino entail?
The prosecutor’s office has resorted to a “free interrogation,” which allows both Musk and former CEO Linda Yaccarino to appear to give their version of events without being under arrest. However, the subpoena is not optional: if they fail to attend, they must present a valid legal justification.
The aim is to determine whether the platform’s managers bear direct criminal responsibility. Charges ranging from complicity in the possession of images of minors to the fraudulent extraction of data by an organized gang are being investigated, a key step in deciding whether to proceed with formal charges.
How does this affect the future of the platform in Europe?
The registration coincides with a tightening of digital policies in Europe. While France moves forward with this investigation, other countries such as Spain have announced coalitions to impose stricter regulations on social media. In this context, the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office has even decided to stop publishing press releases on X, moving its activity to platforms such as LinkedIn and Instagram.
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For those of us who closely follow developments in technology and social media, this case is crucial: it defines the boundaries between freedom of expression and the responsibility of platforms to ensure a safe, transparent space free from algorithmic manipulation that could affect both public opinion and the protection of personal data.
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