France: 'X' Platform Refuses to Cooperate with Prosecutor's Investigation

The 'X' platform (formerly Twitter) is refusing to cooperate with a preliminary investigation by French prosecutors regarding possible manipulation of its algorithms and fraudulent data extraction.

The platform, through its official Global Government Affairs account, stated that the investigation distorts French law to serve a political agenda and restrict freedom of speech. Elon Musk accused the French authorities of a 'politically motivated criminal investigation'.

The investigation was launched following complaints from French MP Éric Bothorel, who accused the platform of manipulating its algorithm for the purpose of foreign interference. Bothorel defended the independence of the French justice system and stressed that freedom of speech has limits.

Prosecutors reportedly requested data on all user posts for analysis by researchers David Chavalarias and Maziyar Panahi, whom the platform considers hostile. Panahi denied any involvement in the investigation.

Refusal to cooperate could lead to fines or charges of obstruction of justice. The French investigation may deepen disagreements between the US and Europe regarding online rhetoric.