X Denounces France Criminal Investigation as “Politically Motivated”

(MENAFN) Social media platform X has pushed back strongly against a criminal investigation initiated by French authorities, denouncing it as “politically motivated” and driven by ulterior motives. The case involves allegations of algorithmic manipulation and “fraudulent data extraction.”

In a statement released Monday, X’s Global Government Affairs team claimed the probe was triggered by French lawmaker Eric Bothorel, a member of President Emmanuel Macron’s Renaissance party. The investigation officially began in January, following accusations from Bothorel and another top French official that X’s algorithm was being exploited for “foreign interference.” X has firmly rejected all claims.

Bothorel has been openly critical of X, which is owned by tech billionaire Elon Musk. He has previously asserted that the platform enables the spread of “an enormous amount of hateful, racist, anti-LGBT+ and homophobic political content,” which he says distorts political discourse in France.

According to X, French authorities had demanded access to the platform’s “recommendation algorithm and real-time data about all user posts.” The company noted that this sensitive data was intended to be reviewed by individuals it described as openly hostile to the platform.

X also condemned the nature of the investigation, particularly being categorized as an “organized gang”—a label that permits French law enforcement to deploy sweeping powers, including surveillance of employee devices. The company emphasized that it has refused to comply with these demands.

While the exact nature of the charges remains unclear, X stated that, based on available information, it believes the legal process is being manipulated to serve political objectives and ultimately suppress free expression.

This investigation follows a similar case involving Telegram founder Pavel Durov. The Russian-born tech entrepreneur was arrested in France last summer and charged over Telegram’s alleged failure to manage illegal content, including child exploitation material and drug trafficking. Durov has labeled the accusations as “baseless.”

Addressing the scrutiny facing X, Durov accused French authorities of launching a “crusade” against both free speech and technological progress, warning that such actions could have negative repercussions for France’s economy.

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