• France investigates X for alleged manipulation of its algorithms.
• Complaints allege that X's changes enable foreign interference.
• Investigators will examine X's management and data gathering practices.
• Concerns raised about increased hateful and racist content on the platform.
• The investigation may broaden to include potential violations of French law.

The French authorities have initiated a criminal investigation into the social media platform X, focusing on allegations that it manipulated its algorithms to facilitate "foreign interference." Prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed that the probe commenced on July 9, following two complaints filed in January by a lawmaker and a cybersecurity director. The complaints assert that the X algorithm has been used to distill and disseminate political content that is harmful and discriminatory, thereby skewing democratic discourse in France, according to The Local, AA, and India Times.

Member of Parliament Eric Bothorel, who spearheaded one of the complaints, emphasized that recent adjustments to the X algorithm and management under Elon Musk have diminished the platform's diversity of discourse. He cautioned that such changes pose a "real danger" to democratic principles, noting significant inconsistencies in moderation and transparency regarding the algorithm's applications, as reported by The Local and India Times.

The second complaint, lodged by a cybersecurity director, highlighted a "major modification" of the X platform's algorithm that allegedly promotes hateful political content aimed at distorting democratic debate. This investigation is not only scrutinizing foreign interference claims but may also entail inquiries into potential violations of data protection laws, echoed by both AA and India Times.

In response to the complaints, Laurent Buanec, the French director of X, maintained that the platform operates under "strict, clear and public rules" designed to mitigate hateful content and misinformation. Despite these assurances, the investigation’s findings will likely shape the narrative surrounding X's regulatory compliance as concerns grow about its role in potentially fostering divisive political rhetoric, as stated in previous reports from The Local and reiterated by AA.