In a landmark move, the French offices of X, under the ownership of Elon Musk, were raided by the Paris prosecutor's cyber-crime unit. This action comes as part of an ongoing investigation into serious allegations involving unlawful data extraction and complicity in the possession of child pornography. The prosecutor's office has stated that both Musk and former X chief executive Linda Yaccarino are required to attend hearings in April.
Simultaneously, the UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has announced its investigation into Musk's AI tool, Grok, raising concerns over its potential to generate harmful sexualized content. These developments lead to increasing scrutiny on X's operations, with the company remaining silent on the investigations, sparking inquiries from the media.
The French investigation began in January 2025, focusing initially on the algorithmic recommendations made by X. However, it expanded its scope to include Grok when allegations surfaced regarding the dissemination of inappropriate content. French prosecutors are now assessing various legal violations by X, including complicity in the possession and distribution of child pornography as well as infringements related to sexual deepfakes.
In response to these probes, Musk's X has perceived the inquiries as an assault on free speech, characterizing the French actions as politically motivated. Following the raid, the investigations have intensified, with both French and UK authorities coordinating their efforts.
Moreover, Pavel Durov, founder of the messaging platform Telegram, has criticized the French authorities for clamping down on social networks providing freedom of expression. He labeled France as 'not a free country' given the stringent regulation and threats against social media platforms.
The dual investigations signal an escalating challenge for X as it navigates complex legal and ethical issues concerning user data and content moderation in the evolving digital landscape.
Simultaneously, the UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has announced its investigation into Musk's AI tool, Grok, raising concerns over its potential to generate harmful sexualized content. These developments lead to increasing scrutiny on X's operations, with the company remaining silent on the investigations, sparking inquiries from the media.
The French investigation began in January 2025, focusing initially on the algorithmic recommendations made by X. However, it expanded its scope to include Grok when allegations surfaced regarding the dissemination of inappropriate content. French prosecutors are now assessing various legal violations by X, including complicity in the possession and distribution of child pornography as well as infringements related to sexual deepfakes.
In response to these probes, Musk's X has perceived the inquiries as an assault on free speech, characterizing the French actions as politically motivated. Following the raid, the investigations have intensified, with both French and UK authorities coordinating their efforts.
Moreover, Pavel Durov, founder of the messaging platform Telegram, has criticized the French authorities for clamping down on social networks providing freedom of expression. He labeled France as 'not a free country' given the stringent regulation and threats against social media platforms.
The dual investigations signal an escalating challenge for X as it navigates complex legal and ethical issues concerning user data and content moderation in the evolving digital landscape.
