Credited from: LEMONDE
Elon Musk has been summoned by French prosecutors for an interview as part of a broad investigation into his platform X, focusing on allegations of algorithm misuse and disinformation, particularly related to the AI chatbot Grok. This investigation, initiated in January 2025, follows a report by a French MP and a cybersecurity body that raised serious concerns about X's content moderation practices, including accusations of deliberate manipulation of its algorithms to influence public debate in France, according to Le Monde and The Local.
French authorities have expanded their investigation into possible violations including complicity in possessing child sexual abuse material, dissemination of Holocaust denial content, and the generation of explicit deepfakes. Musk and former CEO Linda Yaccarino have been asked to provide explanations regarding compliance measures on these matters, following a raid on X's Paris offices in February, as reported in India Times and BBC.
The inquiry has drawn international attention, highlighting broader concerns on how X's AI could create harmful content. New findings revealed that Grok had generated numerous sexually explicit images and Holocaust denial posts, leading to robust criticisms from various organizations. The Center for Countering Digital Hate noted that these incidents stemmed from lax oversight, which poses a threat to public safety, as mentioned by The Local and BBC.
Musk has publicly criticized the investigation, labeling it as a "political attack" and asserting that the actions taken against X represent an infringement on free speech. As the investigation continues, it remains uncertain whether Musk will attend the scheduled interview in Paris and how his absence would influence the investigation's trajectory, according to Le Monde and BBC.