French cybercrime unit raids X’s Paris office as Musk faces questioning

Summary

French authorities have raided the Paris offices of X and summoned Elon Musk for questioning as part of an expanding cybercrime investigation. What began as a probe into alleged algorithm misuse and data practices has widened to include concerns surrounding X’s AI chatbot Grok and the potential spread of illegal content, including explicit deepfakes and child abuse material. The case underscores intensifying regulatory pressure on major tech platforms across Europe.

PARIS — French prosecutors have stepped up scrutiny of X, with police searching the company’s offices in Paris and ordering Musk to appear before investigators later this spring.

The Paris prosecutor’s cybercrime unit said the raid forms part of an investigation launched roughly a year ago into suspected misuse of algorithms and questionable data extraction linked to the platform and its leadership.

Authorities confirmed the scope has now broadened significantly. New complaints relate to the functioning of X’s AI chatbot Grok and possible failures in preventing or facilitating the circulation of illegal content — including child sexual abuse material and sexually explicit deepfake imagery that may violate image-rights laws.

Musk and former X chief executive Linda Yaccarino have both been summoned for questioning on April 20, alongside several current employees who have been called as witnesses.

X did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Musk has previously rejected earlier allegations, describing them as politically motivated.

Prosecutors stressed the investigation is aimed at ensuring the platform complies with French law while operating in the country. The inquiry is being carried out in coordination with national police cyber units and Europol, highlighting the cross-border nature of digital platform enforcement.

The probe was initially triggered after a French lawmaker raised concerns that algorithmic bias on X could have distorted automated data processing systems. Investigators are now assessing whether the platform’s technology and moderation tools contributed to or failed to stop the spread of unlawful material.

In a symbolic move reflecting growing tensions, the Paris prosecutor’s office also announced it would stop using X for official communications, switching instead to LinkedIn and Instagram.

For X, the case adds to mounting regulatory and legal pressure across Europe, where authorities are increasingly assertive about enforcing content rules, AI accountability and platform responsibility under both national laws and wider EU frameworks.

FAQs

Q1. Why did French police search X’s Paris office?

The raid is part of a cybercrime investigation into alleged algorithm misuse, data practices and newer complaints linked to X’s AI systems and content moderation.

Q2. Why is Elon Musk being questioned?

Prosecutors want to hear directly from senior leadership as they examine possible legal responsibility for how the platform operates and distributes content in France.

Q3. What new issues are under investigation?

Authorities are reviewing allegations involving illegal content, explicit deepfakes, child abuse material and potential violations tied to AI-generated imagery.

Q4. How could this affect X’s European operations?

The probe increases regulatory risk and could result in fines, operational restrictions or stricter compliance obligations.

Q5. Why is AI central to the case?

French investigators are examining Grok and algorithmic systems to determine whether automated technologies played a role in spreading harmful or illegal content.

Q6. Is this part of a wider regulatory trend?

Yes. European governments are tightening enforcement around online safety, AI governance and platform accountability.