Criminal Probe of X’s Alleged Algorithm Manipulation in France

The French authorities are currently conducting a comprehensive investigation into allegations that X has intentionally manipulated its algorithm and engaged in what has been termed “fraudulent data extraction.” This probe is specifically focused on determining whether the social media platform has been involved in election interference. The investigation officially commenced on July 11, following a series of reports that surfaced in January. Notably, the French prosecutors have categorized X as an “organized gang,” reflecting the seriousness with which they are treating these allegations.

In response to these developments, X’s Global Government Affairs account issued a pointed critique of what it describes as France’s “politically-motivated criminal investigation,” emphasizing the platform’s refusal to engage in cooperative measures with government authorities. This statement underscores the contentious nature of the relationship between X and the French government amid ongoing scrutiny.

The French government has made formal requests for X to disclose its “recommendation algorithm” along with real-time data concerning all user posts on the platform. To assist in this complex investigation, multiple experts have been enlisted, including David Chavalarias, the director of the Paris Complex Systems Institute (ISC-PIF). Chavalarias is spearheading the “Escape X” campaign. Another key figure is Maziyar Panahi, an AI engineer at ISC-PIF, who has collaborated with Chavalarias on research projects that exhibit a clear antagonism towards X.

It comes as no surprise that X has expressed significant dissatisfaction regarding the involvement of both Chavalarias and Panahi, claiming that their participation could lead to a biased or predetermined outcome in the investigation. Consequently, X has opted to withhold the requested access to its data from the French authorities, further escalating tensions between the platform and the government.

In a public statement, X articulated that the investigation, which is being led by parliamentarian Éric Bothorel, “egregiously undermines X’s fundamental right to due process and poses a threat to our users’ rights to privacy and free speech.” Bothorel has leveled accusations against X, alleging that the platform has manipulated its algorithm for purposes of “foreign interference,” a claim that X vehemently denies as being completely false.