France Scrutinizes X After Algorithm Allegedly Sparked Foreign Interference

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French Authorities Probe X’s Algorithm for Possible Foreign Influence

Police in Paris are investigating allegations that the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, has altered its algorithm to facilitate “foreign interference”, prosecutors said Friday.

Investigation Scope

• Investigators will examine X’s actions and senior managers after two complaints filed in January.
• The complaints, lodged on Jan. 12, accuse X of using its algorithm to influence foreign politics.
• Details on X’s owner, Elon Musk, were not disclosed in the prosecutor’s statement.

First Complaint – A Centrist MP’s Concerns

Eric Bothorel, a member of President Macron’s party, warned that X’s recent algorithm changes were detrimental to democratic debate. He highlighted:

• A reduction in diverse voices and options that compromise the platform’s secure, respectful environment.
• Unclear criteria behind algorithm adjustments and moderation decisions.
• Direct interventions from Elon Musk in platform management.

Bothorel stated “this represents a real danger and a threat to our democracies.”

Second Complaint – A Cybersecurity Director’s Report

Le Canard Enchaîne reported that a public administration cybersecurity director filed a complaint citing a major algorithm shift that now outputs:

• Political content that is hateful, racist, anti‑LGBTQ, or homophobic.
• Content that aims to skew democratic debate in France.

Legal and Regulatory Context

The prosecutor noted that the investigation was opened after “verifications and contributions by French researchers” and further “elements contributed by different political institutions.”

• Police are investigating alleged organised data system manipulation.
• The alleged crimes are not formally categorized as aggravated by “foreign interference” under a 2024 law, but the designation could change during the investigation.

X’s Response

Laurent Buanec, France director of X, stressed on Jan. 22 that X has strict, clear, and public rules to protect the platform from hateful discourse and disinformation. He added that the algorithm is built to avoid offering hateful content.

European Political Reactions

Elon Musk has upset European politicians by commenting on domestic politics, notably in Britain and Germany, where he publicly supported the far‑right AfD party. The former EU digital affairs commissioner, Thierry Breton, described some of Musk’s comments as foreign interference.

The EU opened a probe against X in December 2023 and accused it in July 2024 of breaching digital services regulations, risking a fine of billions of euros.