French authorities escalate Elon Musk, X investigation into criminal probe over alleged algorithm manipulation and AI content concerns
French cybercrime authorities have escalated their investigation into Elon Musk and his social media platform X into a formal criminal probe, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office.
Authorities said Musk and former X CEO Linda Yaccarino were summoned to appear for questioning on April 20, but both declined to attend. The decision to elevate the case marks a significant step in a widening inquiry that has drawn international attention.
The investigation was opened following a request from a French lawmaker in early 2025 and initially focused on allegations that X’s algorithm may have been used to influence political discourse in France. It has since expanded to include claims involving the platform’s artificial intelligence chatbot Grok, including accusations that it enabled or failed to prevent the spread of Holocaust denial content and nonconsensual explicit deepfake images.
Musk previously dismissed the investigation as a “political attack” after authorities searched X’s Paris office earlier this year.
Grok is developed by xAI, Musk’s artificial intelligence company, which later absorbed X and has also been linked to other Musk-led ventures, including SpaceX and Tesla, through broader integration efforts.
The case is part of a broader set of international inquiries into X and Grok, with some regulators examining whether the platforms have allowed the creation and distribution of manipulated or explicit synthetic media, including material involving nonconsenting individuals.
In the United States, federal officials have reportedly declined to assist with the French investigation, describing it as an improper attempt to interfere with an American company.
Representatives for Musk and his companies have not publicly commented on the criminal probe.
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