Paris prosecutors have requested that social media platform X (formerly Twitter) provide details about its algorithm as part of a criminal investigation into suspected tampering by organized groups and fraudulent data extraction.
The prosecutor’s office clarified on Monday that the request does not involve access to private user data. X has yet to respond officially.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s company publicly rejected the investigation, calling it politically motivated and a threat to free speech. In a statement on Monday, X denied all allegations and accused French authorities of misusing the law to pursue a political agenda.
The probe—recently escalated from a preliminary inquiry—focuses on potential algorithmic manipulation and unauthorized data scraping. Prosecutors have asked X to share real-time user data and algorithmic information for review by researchers David Chavalarias and Maziyar Panahi. X objected, claiming the researchers were biased and had previously shown hostility toward the platform.
Panahi denied any involvement in the investigation, saying his name was mistakenly included due to prior collaborations with Chavalarias. He also warned of possible legal action for defamation, citing personal risks from the false association. Chavalarias did not comment on the matter.
X further criticized the use of organized crime laws in the probe, warning that such charges could justify invasive measures like wiretapping employee devices.
The case has reignited tensions between the U.S. and European governments over online speech regulation. Musk, a vocal critic of European policies, has accused the EU of curbing free expression and recently supported claims that French officials are targeting tech platforms. He endorsed a post by Telegram founder Pavel Durov, who is also under investigation in France—an allegation Durov denies.
The unfolding investigation raises broader questions about the balance between digital platform accountability and freedom of speech across borders.
