France is investigating changes to the algorithms of the social network X for the purpose of alleged foreign interference
The French National Gendarmerie has launched an investigation into changes in the algorithms of the social network X (formerly Twitter), which is owned by the American entrepreneur Elon Musk. The investigation concerns alleged foreign interference in the internal affairs of France, informs edition of Le Figaro.
Investigative actions concern both the company that owns the platform and its managers as individuals. French prosecutors suspect that the company’s management deliberately interfered with the algorithms of the social network, changing the order of display of messages for French users in January 2025 with the aim of influencing political processes in France.
In addition, law enforcement officials believe that the platform’s algorithm intentionally promotes hateful content, including homophobic and racist political messages. The management of the X social network is suspected of committing offenses related to the interference of automated data processing systems by an organized group, as well as fraudulent access to these systems for the purpose of obtaining data.
The new case was a continuation of the investigation that began in January. At the time, the investigation was prompted by a complaint accusing social network X of spreading “a huge amount of hate speech, racist, anti-LGBT+ and homophobic content” that was likely aimed at undermining democratic debate in France.
In January, the study of social network algorithms was added to the investigation after Elon Musk conducted and released an interview with Alisa Weidel, the leader of a far-right party from Germany. In addition, the case also concerns the spread of misinformation and the general influence of the platform on political processes.
