Elon Musk’s X calls French probe ‘a politically-motivated criminal investigation’; says won’t cooperate

Elon Musk-owned microblogging platform X (formerly Twitter) said it will not cooperate with a

French probe

allegedly accusing it of data tampering. According to news agency Reuters, the company accused French prosecutors of launching a "politically-motivated criminal investigation" which, it claims, threatens its users' free speech. Denying all allegations against it, X said that it would not cooperate with the probe. Sharing a post via its Global Government Affairs account, X said “Based on what we know so far, X believes that this investigation is distorting French law in order to serve a political agenda and, ultimately, restrict free speech”. "For these reasons, X has not acceded to the French authorities' demands, as we have a legal right to do," the post added.

French lawmakers accuse X of "manipulating its algorithm”

French prosecutors opened a preliminary probe into the social media platform earlier this month. It was based on suspected algorithmic bias and fraudulent data extraction, reports Reuters. According to it, the probe authorized police to conduct searches, wiretaps and surveillance against Musk and X executives, or summon them to testify. If they do not comply, a judge could issue an arrest warrant.

The probe could deepen a rift between Washington and European capitals over what sort of discourse is permitted online.

Here’s what X said

French authorities have launched a politically-motivated criminal investigation into X over the alleged manipulation of its algorithm and alleged “fraudulent data extraction.” X categorically denies these allegations.This investigation, instigated by French politician Eric Bothorel, egregiously undermines X’s fundamental right to due process and threatens our users’ rights to privacy and free speech. Mr Bothorel has accused X of manipulating its algorithm for “foreign interference” purposes, an allegation which is completely false.French authorities have requested access to X’s recommendation algorithm and real-time data about all user posts on the platform in order for several “experts” to analyze the data and purportedly “uncover the truth” about the operation of the X platform. One of those “experts” is David Chavalarias, who spearheads the “Escape X” campaign. Formerly known as “HelloQuitteX”, the campaign is dedicated to encouraging X users to leave the platform. A second “expert,” Maziyar Panahi, has previously participated in research projects with David Chavalarias that demonstrate open hostility towards X.The involvement of these individuals raises serious concerns about the impartiality, fairness, and political motivations of the investigation, to put it charitably. A predetermined outcome is not a fair one. What’s more, French authorities have classified X as an “organized gang” for the purpose of the investigation. This characterization, which is usually reserved for drug cartels or mafia groups, enables the French police to deploy extensive investigative powers under French law, including wiretapping the personal devices of X employees.X remains in the dark as to the specific allegations made against the platform. However, based on what we know so far, X believes that this investigation is distorting French law in order to serve a political agenda and, ultimately, restrict free speech.For these reasons, X has not acceded to the French authorities’ demands, as we have a legal right to do. This is not a decision that X takes lightly. However, in this case, the facts speak for themselves.X is committed to defending its fundamental rights, protecting user data and resisting political censorship.