Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov has launched a scathing critique against the French government following a recent raid conducted by the Paris prosecutor's cyber-crime unit on the local offices of X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk. The raid, which targeted X's Paris headquarters, is part of an ongoing investigation into suspected criminal activities that include unlawful data extraction and alleged involvement with child pornography.
Durov's Strong Condemnation of French Authorities
In a strongly worded statement, Pavel Durov expressed his frustration with the French government's actions, highlighting that France appears to be uniquely targeting social media platforms that offer users a degree of freedom. "French police is currently raiding X's office in Paris. France is the only country in the world that is criminally persecuting all social networks that give people some degree of freedom (Telegram, X, TikTok...)," Durov stated. He further added, "Don't be mistaken: this is not a free country." This criticism comes after Durov himself faced detention by French authorities in 2024, adding a personal dimension to his remarks.
Details of the Investigation into X
The investigation, which began in January 2025, initially focused on X's recommendation algorithms but has since been expanded to include the platform's controversial AI chatbot, Grok. According to reports, the Paris prosecutor's office is examining several serious allegations against X, including:
- Deepfakes: The generation of non-consensual sexualized images using the Grok AI chatbot, which infringes on individual rights.
- Child Safety: Suspected involvement in the possession or distribution of child sexual abuse material.
- Fraudulent Data Extraction: Illegal data harvesting activities allegedly conducted by an organized group.
In a significant move, the Paris prosecutor's office has announced its permanent departure from the X platform, shifting its official communications to LinkedIn and Instagram instead.
Summons for Elon Musk and Former X CEO
The prosecutor's office has confirmed that both Elon Musk and former X CEO Linda Yaccarino have been officially summoned to appear at hearings in Paris this April. X has consistently denied all allegations, describing the investigation as "politically motivated" and an "attack on free speech." However, the platform has faced increasing scrutiny from international regulators, including the UK's Ofcom and the European Commission, particularly concerning the proliferation of AI-edited sexual images.
This incident underscores the growing tensions between global social media giants and regulatory bodies, with France taking a particularly aggressive stance in its enforcement actions. The raid on X's Paris office highlights the complex challenges surrounding digital freedom, data privacy, and content moderation in the modern era.
