Elon Musk's social media platform X is under scrutiny in France, with a summons issued for a "voluntary interview" at the Paris prosecutor's office. The investigation centers on allegations that X's algorithm may have influenced French political discourse and included content generated by the xAI chatbot, Grok.
Authorities are examining claims of Holocaust denial and the creation of sexually explicit deepfakes, including child sexual abuse material, originating from the platform. X CEO Linda Yaccarino has also been summoned as part of these proceedings.
Prosecutors aim to understand executives' positions and potential compliance measures, stating the goal is to ensure X adheres to French law. X's Paris offices were previously searched, with the company denouncing the operation as "politicised" and "abusive."
The probe, launched following reports from an MP and a cybersecurity official, also involves the illicit use of personal data for targeted advertising. Grok's dissemination of a message denying Holocaust gas chamber history and its alleged generation of child sexual abuse material have heightened concerns.
International bodies, including the UK's data regulator and the European Union, have also launched investigations into X and xAI over data law compliance and the production of sexual deepfakes.
However, the US Department of Justice has reportedly refused to cooperate with French authorities, citing concerns over interference with an American company protected by the First Amendment. Reporters Without Borders has also filed a complaint against X, alleging a deliberate policy of allowing disinformation to spread.