French prosecutors have carried out raids at offices linked to Elon Musk’s social media platform X in France. The operation was conducted by the cyber-crime unit of the Paris prosecutor’s office and was confirmed in an official statement published on X. European law enforcement agency Europol is assisting with the searches, highlighting the seriousness of the investigation.
The raids are connected to a legal probe into the platform’s operations in France. Investigators are examining whether X is complying with French laws related to online safety and content regulation. The company has not yet responded publicly to the raids. No official statement has been released so far.
French authorities say the action forms part of a wider effort to enforce national digital laws. The investigation focuses on how the platform functions and whether its internal systems meet legal standards.
Probe Launched Over Algorithm and Content Recommendations
The investigation was first opened in January 2025. It followed complaints that raised concerns about X’s algorithm and the content it recommends to users. These complaints questioned whether the platform’s automated systems may have promoted content that violates French law.
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Under French regulations, social media platforms must take active responsibility for the content shared on their services. This includes ensuring that recommendation systems do not amplify illegal or harmful material. Prosecutors say the raids are intended to gather information and assess whether X has fulfilled these legal obligations.
As part of the probe, Elon Musk and former chief executive officer Linda Yaccarino were summoned to appear at hearings scheduled for April. The summons indicates that authorities are seeking explanations related to leadership decisions, oversight, and how content policies are enforced across the platform.
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X has previously described the investigation as an attack on free speech. The company has denied accusations that it manipulated its algorithm or intentionally promoted unlawful content. Despite these claims, French prosecutors have continued to move forward with their inquiry.
The involvement of the cyber-crime unit shows that the case is not limited to individual posts. Instead, it focuses on the technical systems that control how information is shared and promoted online. Europol’s support suggests that the issue has wider relevance beyond France.
Investigation Expanded After Reports of Illegal Material
In July 2025, the scope of the investigation was expanded. This followed reports of sexually explicit deepfake content and Holocaust denial material circulating on X. These reports raised further concerns about the platform’s ability to prevent illegal content from spreading.
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Sexually explicit deepfakes are considered highly harmful, as they can cause serious personal and emotional damage. Holocaust denial is illegal in France and is treated as a serious offense under national law. Authorities are examining whether X failed to limit the visibility of such material or prevent it from reaching wider audiences.
When the probe was widened, X described the move as politically motivated. The platform again denied allegations that it had adjusted its algorithm to promote or prioritize harmful content.
In its statement, the Paris prosecutor’s office said the raids are part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with French law. The office also announced that it would stop using X to share official communications. It said future updates would instead be posted on LinkedIn and Instagram.
The investigation remains active. French authorities continue to collect information related to X’s operations in the country, focusing on whether the platform’s systems meet legal requirements and content standards set by French law.