France launches investigation into social media platform X

French authorities have opened a formal investigation into the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, over allegations of algorithmic manipulation aimed at enabling foreign interference, according to Le Figaro.

The Paris Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that the probe was initiated on July 9 by the Cybercrime Division, targeting both the platform and its leadership.

The investigation centres on suspected offences including interference with automated data processing systems and the unlawful extraction of information, allegedly carried out by an organised group. France’s National Gendarmerie is leading the inquiry.

The case was prompted by two reports submitted earlier this year, which claimed that X’s algorithm may have been intentionally used to influence public discourse from abroad.

In addition to the criminal probe, X has been under separate investigation by the European Union since December 2023 for potential violations of the Digital Services Act (DSA). 

By Vugar Khalilov