Paris, France – French prosecutors have launched an investigation into Elon Musk’s social media platform X over allegations of algorithmic distortions, according to a report by Franceinfo on Friday.
The probe was initiated following a complaint filed by centrist lawmaker Eric Bothorel of the Ensemble Pour La Republique (EPR) party on January 12, raising concerns about the platform’s automated systems.
Bothorel alleged that X’s algorithms were biased and could be manipulating the visibility of content, thereby distorting the operation of an automated data processing system.
This falls under potential violations of French cybercrime laws, prompting the Paris public prosecutor’s office to act.
Cybercrime Unit Conducting Technical Checks
The investigation is being handled by magistrates and specialists from the cybercrime unit, who have begun analyzing the platform’s algorithmic behavior.
The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed the initial technical assessments, stating that the probe aims to determine whether X’s algorithm functions in a manner that contravenes legal standards.
“I sent a letter to the cyber J3 prosecutor’s office on this subject on January 12,” Bothorel announced in a post on X, underlining his concerns over the social media giant’s influence and potential misuse of its recommendation algorithms.
X, formerly known as Twitter, has not yet responded publicly to the allegations. The platform, owned by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, has faced increased scrutiny from regulators in various countries over its content moderation policies, transparency, and alleged algorithmic biases.
Regulatory Scrutiny on X’s Operations
This investigation is the latest in a series of regulatory challenges for X since Musk acquired the platform in October 2022.
The billionaire has championed free speech and made significant changes to the platform’s content policies, including the reduction of moderation efforts and alterations to the ranking algorithms.
However, these moves have sparked debates about the spread of misinformation and biased content amplification.
French authorities have been particularly vigilant in monitoring online platforms for potential breaches of digital laws.
The Digital Services Act (DSA) of the European Union mandates that social media companies operate with algorithmic transparency and accountability to prevent unfair content promotion or suppression.
If found guilty of violating these regulations, X could face penalties, including hefty fines and possible restrictions within France.
Potential Implications for Social Media Regulation
The outcome of this investigation could have broader implications for the regulation of social media platforms across Europe.
If French prosecutors determine that X’s algorithmic behavior violates legal standards, it may set a precedent for further actions against digital platforms suspected of algorithmic bias.
As the investigation progresses, experts suggest that social media companies operating in France may be required to disclose more details about their recommendation algorithms to ensure compliance with national and EU-level regulations.
Transparency in automated decision-making systems has become a focal point in the global conversation around digital ethics and fair information dissemination.
With the legal review underway, X now faces increasing pressure to address these concerns while balancing its commitment to free speech and algorithmic autonomy.
French prosecutors have yet to announce a timeline for the investigation’s conclusion, leaving open questions about potential repercussions for Musk’s social media venture in one of Europe’s key digital markets.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
