France Opens Criminal Investigation into Elon Musk's X

The power of tech platforms like Facebook or TikTok to aid and abet foreign political influence is not new, but now France is taking aim at Elon Musk's X with a criminal investigation into "organized interference". The Paris Public Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation into the platform, accusing it of altering the functioning of automated data processing systems and extracting data from them fraudulently. These allegations are considered major computer hacking offenses, which can carry sentences of up to 10 years in prison and fines of €300,000 (approximately $350,000) under French law.

The investigation was prompted by a report from a team of French cybersecurity researchers employed by the office, who raised concerns about X's involvement in European politics. Musk has been using the platform to spread support for Germany's far-right, anti-immigration party AfD, leading to widespread condemnation and boycotts by Tesla owners, as well as plummeting sales in the country.

This is not the first time that X has been involved in serious legal proceedings with a major democracy. The platform was involved in a multi-year battle with Brazil, which led to X being temporarily banned from the country after local judges accused it of seeding political unrest. The Brazilian government eventually secured fines of over $5 million from X.

French politicians have spoken out in support of the investigation, with centrist lawmaker Eric Bothorel describing X as a "threat to our democracies" and calling for its algorithm changes to be clarified. Other lawmakers have echoed his concerns, criticizing X's impact on the diversity of voices on the platform.

The Investigation Takes Shape

The official filing accuses X of two major computer hacking offenses: altering the functioning of an automated data processing system by an organized group, and fraudulent extraction of data from such a system by an organized group. The investigation will likely involve search operations and police interviews with individuals involved in the platform.

Consequences for X

The French prosecutor has the power to order search operations and police interviews, which could lead to further legal consequences for X if evidence of wrongdoing is found. The platform's involvement in this investigation will also raise questions about its role in European politics and the impact it may have on democratic processes.

Reaction from Musk and X

Musk or X representatives have yet to comment on the reports, but the news comes as part of a growing scrutiny of social media platforms' involvement in international politics. The French investigation adds to the list of challenges facing X, which has faced similar issues with governments around the world.