France Launches Investigation into Social Media Platform X for Foreign Interference
France is investigating social media platform X for potential foreign interference and algorithm manipulation affecting democracy.
Key Points
- • French authorities have launched an investigation into X for alleged foreign interference.
- • The inquiry focuses on concerns about algorithm changes since Elon Musk's acquisition.
- • Reports cite increased hate speech and reduced diversity of voices as major issues.
- • The investigation aims to assess potential violations of data processing laws.
The Paris prosecutor's office has formally opened an investigation into social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, amid allegations of foreign interference and algorithm manipulation that could potentially undermine democratic processes in France. This inquiry was announced by Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau on July 11, 2025.
The investigation was prompted by two significant reports filed on January 12, one by Macronist deputy Eric Bothorel, and the other by a cybersecurity director in France's public sector. Bothorel raised concerns about changes to X's algorithms since Elon Musk took control of the platform in 2022. He highlighted critical issues, including a reduction in the diversity of voices, increased exposure to hate speech, and a general lack of transparency regarding how the algorithm operates and how content is moderated. Bothorel referred to these issues as a "real danger and a threat to our democracies."
In addition to Bothorel's findings, the cybersecurity director reported a notable rise in hate-filled political messages, including racist and anti-LGBT+ content, leading to fears that these changes could distort the democratic discourse in France. The prosecutor’s office noted that the investigation was instigated by these complaints, along with contributions from various French researchers and information from public institutions.
The inquiry is exploring possible violations related to the alteration of automated data processing systems and unauthorized data extraction under French law. Laurent Buanec, the head of X France, defended the platform's policies, asserting that it has stringent mechanisms in place to combat hate speech and misinformation. Buanec claimed that the algorithms are designed to minimize users' exposure to hateful content.
This investigation into social media practices comes at a time when the European Commission has also initiated examinations into similar allegations of algorithmic manipulation that could favor radical political messages, and it reflects mounting concerns over the influence of social media on democratic integrity.