France Investigates X Over Foreign Interference, MP Criticizes Grok

France Launches Criminal Investigation into X

A criminal inquiry has been initiated in France concerning Elon Musk’s X platform. This investigation centers around allegations of algorithm manipulation potentially used for foreign interference.

Investigation Details

The investigation will be conducted by the French national gendarmerie, as announced by the Paris prosecutor’s office.

Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau stated that both X, as a corporate entity, and unidentified individuals are subjects of this inquiry.

Potential Offenses

The scope of the investigation encompasses two key potential crimes:

• “Alteration of the operation” of an automated data processing system.
• “Fraudulent extraction of data” from such a system, allegedly carried out by an organized group.

This action follows a period of verification and contributions from French researchers and various public institutions, according to Beccuau.

Initial Probe and Reports

An initial investigation into X was opened in February. This followed two reports submitted to the Paris prosecutor’s office regarding the platform’s alleged use of algorithmic manipulation for foreign interference.

These reports originated from a senior official within a French public institution – identified by journalists as a cybersecurity manager – and from Éric Bothorel, a member of parliament.

Reactions to the Investigation

Bothorel expressed his approval of the investigation’s progression. He noted it coincided with updates to X’s Grok AI chatbot, which he believes have led to an increase in problematic content.

He specifically mentioned a recent incident on July 9th, where the automated account for the Grok chatbot was temporarily taken offline after disseminating antisemitic content. This wasn’t an isolated occurrence.

Concerns Regarding Algorithmic Bias

Bothorel voiced concerns that information bias on the X platform may be aligned with Elon Musk’s personal political views.

He believes that achieving such bias would necessitate algorithmic manipulation. He filed his report both as a parliamentarian and as a citizen concerned about the integrity of democratic discourse.

Bothorel emphasized his desire to prevent distortion of democratic conversations by entities such as Moscow or Silicon Valley.

Prosecutor Beccuau’s Background

As Paris prosecutor, Beccuau has previously led prosecutions related to the BreachForums hacking forum.

She is currently overseeing the judicial investigation into Telegram and its CEO, Pavel Durov, concerning alleged facilitation of criminal activity on the platform.

Durov has received court permission to reside in Dubai, but the investigation remains ongoing.