French authorities have intensified their criminal investigation into X, formerly Twitter, with prosecutors requesting access to the platform’s recommendation algorithm and real-time user post data.
The probe, which began in January 2024, is focused on alleged foreign interference through manipulation of automated data systems and the unauthorised extraction of user data.
X has denied the accusations and refused to comply with the French government’s demands.
The investigation follows two complaints filed by a French Member of Parliament and a senior public institution official.
The case was transferred this month to a specialised unit within the national police responsible for tackling cyber-related offences.
French prosecutors aim to determine whether X’s system was misused to influence political narratives or public opinion in France.
French police seek real-time X data and algorithm access
As part of the inquiry, authorities requested detailed insight into the inner workings of X’s recommendation engine and real-time content flows across the platform.
This data would be used by appointed experts to analyse the operation and impact of the algorithm.
X stated it was approached to hand over this information for what authorities claimed was an expert-led effort to “uncover the truth” about the platform’s influence.
However, the company says it is yet to receive clear details about the nature or scope of the allegations.
Despite being granted legal authority to request this data under French law, the demand has sparked controversy over jurisdiction, data privacy, and platform sovereignty.
X maintains that it is within its rights to reject the request and has chosen to do so.
X alleges political bias, names researchers involved
X has labelled the investigation “politically motivated,” suggesting that it is intended to curtail freedom of expression under the guise of cybersecurity.
In a statement posted on its Global Government Affairs account, the company asserted that the probe “distorts French law” for political purposes.
X took particular aim at the two researchers assigned to examine the algorithm: David Chavalarias, director of the Paris Complex Systems Institute (ISC-PIF), and Maziyar Panahi, AI platform lead at ISC-PIF.
The company flagged Chavalarias’ affiliation with the “Escape X” campaign, which encourages users to quit the platform, and noted both researchers have co-authored papers critical of X.
X questioned the impartiality of both individuals, citing past publications and public sentiment that the company described as “open hostility.”
It warned that their involvement raised concerns about the neutrality of the investigation and suggested the outcome could already be biased.
Platform refusal heightens regulatory tensions
X’s decision to defy French authorities comes amid broader regulatory friction between the platform and European governments.
The rejection adds to the growing list of disputes over content moderation, data transparency, and platform compliance in jurisdictions across the EU.
The company has not ruled out legal proceedings if enforcement actions escalate.
X stated that while the decision to withhold access was not made lightly, it believes the current investigation lacks the necessary objectivity to justify compliance.
The situation remains tense, as French authorities push ahead with the probe and X continues to resist what it sees as an unjustified intrusion into its systems.
The outcome of the investigation may set a precedent for how digital platforms handle cross-border algorithm audits and data access requests going forward.
The post Elon Musk’s X resists French request for algorithm data in criminal investigation appeared first on Invezz
