Musk's X under investigation in France over alleged algorithmic bias
08 Feb 2025

Elon Musk's social media platform, X, is being investigated by French prosecutors. The probe was launched after allegations of algorithmic bias on the platform.

The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed the launch of this investigation yesterday, after being alerted by a lawmaker on January 12.

Biased algorithms in X could potentially disrupt an automated data processing system's operation, the lawmaker said.

X's global influence raises concerns
Power scrutiny

The probe into X comes at a time when concerns about the platform's influence are growing globally.

Musk has used X to promote right-wing parties and causes in countries such as Germany and UK. This has raised fears of foreign interference.

However, so far, X has not released any statement on the ongoing French probe.

French lawmaker raises alarm over X's algorithms
Bias allegations

Eric Bothorel, a centrist lawmaker in France, raised his concerns over X's purported use of biased algorithms.

He wrote to the J3 cybercrime unit of the Paris prosecutors' office on January 12.

Bothorel confirmed the move in a post on X.

The prosecutor's office has now tasked prosecutors and specialized assistants from its cybercrime unit to conduct preliminary technical checks as part of their investigation into the claims.

J3 unit's track record in tackling platform owners
Previous actions

The J3 unit, which is now investigating X, is famous for its proactive approach in dealing with major platform owners.

In one such case, it investigated Telegram boss Pavel Durov who was arrested on arrival at a Paris airport.

Despite Durov denying the allegations against him and being released on bail, Telegram has since pledged to work more closely with law enforcement authorities to eliminate illegal content from its platform.