TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The French government has initiated a criminal investigation into Elon Musk's social media platform X for alleged manipulation of the algorithms used for foreign intervention purposes. The Paris Prosecutor's Office stated that the national gendarmerie unit is conducting the investigation.
Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau stated that the investigation is directed at X as a legal entity, as well as several individuals whose identities have not been disclosed. She explained that the focus of the investigation encompasses two alleged infractions, namely altering the functioning of the system and fraudulently extracting data from the automated data processing system by an organized group.
"The move followed verifications, contributions from French researchers and elements brought by various public institutions," Beccuau said, as quoted from Tech Crunch, July 11, 2025.
In February, the prosecutor's office initiated preliminary investigations based on two reports from the cybercrime division of the Paris Prosecutor's Office regarding the alleged use of algorithm manipulation by X for foreign intervention purposes. These reports were filed by a senior official from a French public institution, identified by journalists as a cybersecurity manager, and parliament member Ric Bothorel.
Responding to the ongoing investigation, Bothorel stated that this action comes at a time when the latest Grok update appears to lean towards the dark side. "With a dominance of questionable, even repugnant content."
On July 9, X disabled their AI chatbot account after a day of spreading antisemitic narratives on the platform, which was not the first occurrence. The European Commission stated that they are in communication with X regarding this matter. However, Bothorel's concerns are much broader.
"I was convinced that information bias, which is particularly strong on the X platform, was serving Elon Musk’s political opinions, and that this could only be achieved through algorithmic manipulation," Bothorel said.
He added that he submitted this report as a member of parliament, but also as a citizen who does not want Moscow, Silicon Valley, or anyone else to disrupt democratic conversations.
Prosecutor Beccuau previously led the prosecution related to the BreachForums hacking forum. Currently, she is also overseeing the investigation into Telegram and its CEO, Pavel Durov, who was briefly detained on suspicion of facilitating criminal activities on the platform. Durov has now been granted court permission to leave France for Dubai, but the investigation is ongoing.
Editor's Choice: Google Discover Rolls Out AI Summaries, Threatens News Traffic
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
After Bastille Day Appearance, Prabowo Concludes European Visit
1 hari lalu
President Prabowo Subianto leaves Paris, France, to return to the homeland on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, local time after a two-week foreign visit.
The French Revolution: France's Historical Turning Point and Its Impacts Worldwide
1 hari lalu
The French Revolution, which took place between 1789 and 1799, is one of the most significant events in the world.
France Honors Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin with 'Commander of the Legion' Medal
1 hari lalu
Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has been honored with the 'Commander of the Legion' title by the French Government.
After Elysee Meeting, Prabowo Confirms France Backs Two-State Solution
1 hari lalu
Prabowo Subianto said French President Emmanuel Macron expressed support for a two-state solution to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Today's Top 3 News: Indonesia and France Strengthen Partnerships in Science and Education
2 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
France Marks Bastille Day in Jakarta, Highlights Military and Cultural Relations
2 hari lalu
The Bastille Day 2025 celebration not only took place in Paris, but also was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Jakarta. One such celebration was hosted by the French Embassy.
Indonesia and France Strengthen Partnerships in Science and Education
2 hari lalu
Indonesia and France strengthen their strategic partnership in various fields, including science, technology, and education.
Paris Shuts Roads for Bastille Day Parade Attended by Indonesia's Prabowo
2 hari lalu
Paris closed major roads for the Bastille Day parade on July 14, 2025. Indonesian President Prabowo attended as an honored guest alongside Macron.
Macron Hosts Prabowo for Dinner After Bastille Day Ceremony
2 hari lalu
Macron hosted Prabowo for dinner at the lyse Palace after France's National Day. They discussed bilateral and global issues over a French meal.
Macron Announces Increase in France's Military Spending, Citing "Threats" to Europe
2 hari lalu
French President Emmanuel Macron increases military budget by 6.5 billion euros for the next two years to strengthen European defense.
