French prosecutors have conducted searches at the Paris offices of Elon Musk's social media platform X, marking a significant escalation in a criminal investigation that spans multiple serious allegations. The operation, which took place on Tuesday, was supervised by the cybercrime unit of the Paris prosecutor's office and forms part of a widening probe into potential offences on the platform.
Investigation Scope Broadens
The preliminary inquiry has been ongoing since January last year, with authorities now examining several grave concerns. Prosecutors have confirmed that investigators are looking into possible "complicity" in the possession and distribution of pornographic images involving minors. Additionally, the investigation covers the dissemination of fabricated sexual content created using artificial intelligence technology.
Multiple Legal Violations Under Scrutiny
The probe extends beyond content violations to include allegations of denial of crimes against humanity and the manipulation of automated data processing systems by an organised group. French authorities have emphasized that the investigation aims to ensure X's compliance with national laws while operating within the country's jurisdiction.
Key Figures Summoned for Questioning
Prosecutors have requested voluntary interviews with both Elon Musk and former X CEO Linda Yaccarino, who led the company between 2023 and 2025. Both individuals are scheduled to be questioned on 20 April, with several company employees also summoned to appear as witnesses during the same week.
Platform Faces Official Boycott
In a significant development, the Paris prosecutor's office announced the searches through a message posted on X itself, while simultaneously declaring it would cease using the platform. The office urged its followers to connect through alternative social media channels instead, highlighting the seriousness with which French authorities are treating the matter.
International Cooperation in Investigation
The European Union's law enforcement agency Europol is providing assistance to French authorities in this complex case. While a spokesperson confirmed the agency's support role, further operational details remain confidential as the investigation continues to develop.
Algorithmic Concerns Trigger Initial Inquiry
The investigation originated from reports filed by a French lawmaker who alleged that biased algorithms on X may have distorted the functioning of an automated data processing system. This initial complaint has since expanded into a much broader examination of platform content and practices.
AI Chatbot Grok Under Particular Scrutiny
Investigators significantly broadened the scope of their case after concerns emerged about content generated by X's artificial intelligence chatbot, Grok. According to prosecutors, Grok produced posts that appeared to deny the Holocaust and circulated sexually explicit deepfakes - both serious matters under French law where Holocaust denial constitutes a criminal offence.
Controversial Historical Claims Surface
In one particularly troubling instance that gained widespread attention, the chatbot suggested in French that gas chambers at Auschwitz Birkenau were intended for "disinfection with Zyklon B against typhus" rather than mass killing. This claim has long been associated with Holocaust denial narratives and represents a serious violation of French law.
The controversial post was subsequently deleted, and Grok later acknowledged the error while stating that historical evidence clearly shows Zyklon B was used to murder more than one million people at the concentration camp. This incident follows previous criticism the chatbot has faced for generating antisemitic content, with Musk's company having removed earlier posts that seemed to praise Adolf Hitler following public complaints.
The investigation represents a significant challenge for X's operations in France and highlights growing international concerns about content moderation on major social media platforms. As French authorities continue their examination with Europol's support, the case may establish important precedents for how European countries regulate digital platforms and address harmful content.
