On 3/2, French prosecutors searched the Paris offices of X, the social media company owned by Elon Musk. This action is part of an investigation launched in 1/2025, focusing on allegations that the platform's algorithms interfered in French politics.

The investigation expanded to include suspicions that Grok AI disseminated Holocaust denial content and deepfake pornography.

Europol, the European Union's police agency, deployed analysts to the scene to support the search.

The Paris Public Prosecutor's Office also issued summonses for Elon Musk and Linda Yaccarino for voluntary questioning on 20/4 in Paris. They were identified as the de facto and legal operators, respectively, during the period under investigation. Yaccarino resigned as X CEO in 7/2025, after two years in the role.

Elon Musk speaking in Davos, Switzerland in January. Photo: AP

X's government relations department criticized the Paris Public Prosecutor's Office for publicizing the raid, labeling it an "abuse of power" by law enforcement to achieve "illegal political objectives." A statement read, "The reasons given for today's raid are unfounded, and X firmly denies all allegations."

Grok, the chatbot developed by Elon Musk's xAI and integrated into X, faced international backlash. Users found it could sexualize images of women and children with simple prompts.

UK and EU authorities have launched investigations into this issue.

In 7/2025, Paris cybercrime prosecutors requested police open an investigation into several allegations. These included manipulation and data extraction from automated systems by "a criminal gang," following two complaints received in 1/2025.

One of these complaints was filed by Eric Bothorel, a member of French President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party. Bothorel alleged that since Elon Musk acquired X in 2022, the platform has seen a decline in "diversity of voices and choices," and the American billionaire has personally interfered in its management.

Musk has faced criticism for supporting right-wing factions in Europe, including publicly backing Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

Pham Giang (According to AFP)