Tech News
LAST UPDATE: July 21, 2025
France has launched criminal probe of X over alleged algorithm ‘manipulation’, platform says
French prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into Elon Musk’s platform X (formerly Twitter) over alleged algorithm manipulation and fraudulent data extraction, based on complaints from a lawmaker and senior official. Authorities have requested access to recommendation algorithms and user-post data. X denies wrongdoing and calls the probe politically motivated and a threat to free speech.
Insight
This investigation underscores growing European concerns about algorithmic bias and foreign interference. It challenges X’s operations in France and aligns with broader DSA enforcement. The tension between tech transparency and free speech will likely intensify.