French authorities have launched a criminal investigation into social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, over alleged manipulation of its recommendation algorithm and what officials describe as “fraudulent data extraction”.
The investigation, which is being led by French law enforcement, seeks to examine the platform’s underlying algorithmic processes and its real-time handling of user content. Authorities have formally requested access to X’s recommendation engine and live data about user posts, according to a statement released by the company’s Global Government Affairs team.
X has “categorically denied” the allegations and pushed back against the demands made by French authorities, stating it has “not complied” with the request to hand over sensitive algorithmic and user data.
X denies allegations
“This investigation is based on unfounded allegations,” the company said in a statement. “X remains committed to transparency and user privacy, and we will continue to defend the integrity of our platform against any such claims.”
The investigation could have broader implications for global tech companies operating in the EU, as regulators increasingly scrutinize algorithmic transparency and user data practices under laws like the “Digital Services Act”.
The company, owned by Elon Musk, has faced mounting pressure in several jurisdictions over content moderation, platform transparency, and the treatment of user data. This probe adds to a growing list of legal and regulatory challenges facing the platform since its rebranding and structural overhaul.
French authorities have not yet commented publicly beyond confirming that the investigation is ongoing.
