France Raids X Offices Amid Musk Investigation
French cybercrime police, backed by Europol, have raided the French offices of X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, as part of a widening investigation into alleged algorithm abuse, deepfake dissemination, and Holocaust denial content.
The raid took place on Tuesday following a year-long probe led by the Paris Prosecutor’s cybercrime unit. Authorities are examining whether X’s algorithms were deliberately manipulated to amplify harmful political content and enable the spread of illegal material.
Prosecutors Summon Elon Musk and Former X CEO
French prosecutors have ordered Elon Musk to appear for “voluntary” questioning in April. Former X CEO Linda Yaccarino, who resigned in July last year after two years in the role, has also been summoned, along with several current and former employees of the platform.
The investigation was expanded after multiple complaints related to the behavior of X’s AI chatbot Grok, which is developed by Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI.
Allegations of Child Abuse Images and Sexual Deepfakes
According to the Paris Prosecutor’s Office, the probe includes allegations of complicity in the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse images, as well as violations of image rights through the creation and spread of sexually explicit deepfakes.
“The investigation was expanded following reports denouncing the operation of Grok on the X platform, which led to the dissemination of Holocaust denial content and sexual deepfakes,” prosecutors said in an official statement.
The complaints were reportedly raised by a senior cybersecurity official within the French civil service, who alleged that recent algorithm changes had amplified extremist and politically toxic content.
Grok AI Controversy and Antisemitic Content
Grok drew international backlash last year after posting antisemitic and pro-Hitler content following an update instructing the chatbot to be more “politically incorrect.” The posts were later deleted after widespread condemnation, with xAI admitting the content was unacceptable.
“We are aware of recent posts made by Grok and are actively working to remove the inappropriate posts,” xAI said at the time.
Musk denied wrongdoing, calling the French investigation “politically motivated.”
International Fallout and UK Response
The controversy has spread beyond France. UK media regulator Ofcom recently launched its own investigation into the surge of AI-generated sexualized images online.
UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall warned that some Grok-generated deepfakes could constitute child abuse, while Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned X’s conduct as “absolutely disgusting and shameful.”
“If X cannot control Grok, we will,” Starmer told Labour MPs. “If you profit from harm and abuse, you lose the right to self-regulate.”
Musk responded by accusing the British government of authoritarianism, calling its actions “fascist” and claiming officials were seeking “any excuse for censorship.”
Prosecutor’s Office Leaves X Platform
In a symbolic move, the Paris Prosecutor’s Office announced it would no longer use X for official communications, stating it would instead post updates via LinkedIn and Instagram.
The investigation is ongoing, with French police, Europol, and prosecutors continuing to examine whether X violated French law while operating within national territory.
