The French prosecutor’s office has launched a formal criminal investigation into the social media platform X, owned by Elon Musk. The platform, formerly known as Twitter, faces two charges under the French Penal Code: organized interference with the operation of an automatic data processing system and organized illegal extraction of data from that system.

A criminal investigation has been launched against Elon Musk’s X in France

The investigation was launched following preliminary findings. French prosecutors announced that the matter is not limited to the company’s legal entity but also includes the individual responsible parties. French police are actively participating in the investigation.

The possibility of more stringent legal action is being raised, and it is being reported that an international arrest warrant could be issued if X’s executives and Musk are not summoned to testify.

French judicial authorities also added to the file the allegation that X systematically provided support to right-wing populist and far-right groups in France. This allegation is being analyzed through content preferences and algorithm manipulation on social media. French authorities stated that this constitutes interference in the country’s political processes and will be considered as part of the investigation.

The investigation also has a diplomatic dimension that could lead to tensions between the US administration and Europe. The US alleges that European countries restrict freedom of expression and systematically pressure US-based technology companies. Cases targeting major tech giants like Apple and X, in particular, are being closely monitored by Washington.

France has recently attracted attention for its harsh policies against online platforms. In recent months, Telegram founder Pavel Durov was detained in France on charges of facilitating organized crime, a development that sparked global outrage. Elon Musk publicly criticized Durov’s arrest at the time.