French Authorities Raid X's Offices in Cybercrime Investigation Targeting Elon Musk's Platform

The cybercrime section of the Paris prosecutor's office conducted a raid on the French offices of the social media platform X on February 3, 2026, as part of an extensive investigation into the company’s operations in France. Initiated in January 2025 following complaints by Deputy Eric Bothorel about algorithmic biases and the spread of harmful political content, the inquiry has broadened to include serious allegations involving the misuse of AI tools, notably Grok, linked to non-consensual deepfake content and Holocaust denial.

The Paris prosecutor, Laure Beccuau, emphasized the investigation’s focus on ensuring that X complies with French legal standards, highlighting reports of complicity in the distribution of child pornography, violations involving personal representation, and management of an illicit online platform. Both Elon Musk and Linda Yaccarino, deemed the effective and legal managers of X, along with several platform employees, have been summoned for voluntary hearings scheduled for April 20, 2026.

The scrutiny of X intensifies after concerns about algorithmic manipulation and the platform’s role in promoting objectionable content surfaced following Elon Musk’s acquisition. The probe reflects a broader effort by French authorities, supported by the national cyber unit and Europol, to tackle foreign interference and uphold rule of law within digital platforms operating in France. Bothorel underscored this commitment, stating, "No one is above the law."