Elon Musk's X refuses to assist French prosecutors, says probe serves a political agenda

[midian182]

Why it matters: Elon Musk's X is once again defying authorities' demands. On this occasion, the platform is refusing to comply with a probe launched by French prosecutors, part of what the company calls a "politically-motivated criminal investigation."

French prosecutors started investigating X in January over alleged manipulation of its algorithm and what they call "fraudulent data extraction." It was spurred by complaints from a French member of parliament and a senior official at a public institution.

The probe was stepped up earlier this month. Reuters writes that police have been enlisted to investigate the alleged actions by the company or its executives.

In a post on its Global Government Affairs account today, X wrote that it categorically denied the allegations made against it by French authorities. It added that the investigation undermines the platform's right to due process and threatens its users' rights to privacy and free speech.

X says that French authorities have requested access to its recommendation algorithm and real-time data about all user posts on the platform. The data will be analyzed by several experts to purportedly "uncover the truth" about X's operations.

X says the two experts who review its algorithm are David Chavalarias, director of the Paris Complex Systems Institute (ISC-PIF), and Maziyar Panahi, an AI platform leader at ISC-PIF. It claims that both have been openly hostile toward X in the past, and that Chavalarias runs a campaign called "Escape X," which encourages people to leave the platform.

French authorities have launched a politically-motivated criminal investigation into X over the alleged manipulation of its algorithm and alleged "fraudulent data extraction." X categorically denies these allegations.

This investigation, instigated by French politician Eric…

– Global Government Affairs (@GlobalAffairs) July 21, 2025

X says the individuals' involvement raises questions about the impartiality, fairness, and political motivations behind the investigation.

"X remains in the dark as to the specific allegations made against the platform. However, based on what we know so far, X believes that this investigation is distorting French law in order to serve a political agenda and, ultimately, restrict free speech," the post continues.

The company says that for these reasons, it has not acceded to the French authorities demands, which it has a legal right to do.

X also noted that French authorities have classified X as an organized gang, a characterization usually reserved for drug cartels or mafia groups. The move will allow French police to use extensive investigative methods, including wiretapping the personal devices of X employees.

While X owner Elon Musk and Donald Trump have fallen out, the President will likely be angry to see another American company being investigated in Europe.

Musk, meanwhile, has publicly supported Telegram founder Pavel Durov, who was arrested in France last year over allegations he allowed criminal activity on the app. Durov called his arrest an attack on free speech, which Musk echoed.

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Elon Musk's X refuses to assist French prosecutors, says probe serves a political agenda

 

[kaosken]

Fuque the French! They went after Telegram, too.

 

[Kirby1]

Musk is not a defender of free speech, he's the exact opposite. Free speech doesn't mean you get to yell about the holocaust being fake to millions of people on Twitter, it means you don't have a rich guy deciding what people can and can't say online based on if he agrees with it or not.

Guy who had to own social media to avoid being banned is not a hero.

 

[wiyosaya]

Cite X for contempt of court. If X still doesn't comply, force its shutdown.

Maybe then fElon will listen. Maybe. His narcissism and overblown self-importance will likely get in the way - again.

 

[Theinsanegamer]

Musk is not a defender of free speech, he's the exact opposite. Free speech doesn't mean you get to yell about the holocaust being fake to millions of people on Twitter, it means you don't have a rich guy deciding what people can and can't say online based on if he agrees with it or not.

Guy who had to own social media to avoid being banned is not a hero.

What you are defining is not "free speech", rather you are defining "regulated speech" or "privileged speech". It's a common fault many Europeans make when trying to claim they have free speech comparable to Americas.

When your government determines what you can or cannot say, you do not have free speech either. That is what Twitter was doing before Musk bought it, and there were many a rich guy who were making decisions on what was allowed on twitter. You also ignore that the reason Musk, and many others, were banned on twitter was because a rich guy disagreed with them on whatever subject they may have cared about.

Hypocrisy isnt a good look.

Cite X for contempt of court. If X still doesn't comply, force its shutdown.

Maybe then fElon will listen. Maybe. His narcissism and overblown self-importance will likely get in the way - again.

You guys need to get your Musk Derangement Syndrome checked out. When it was social media denying the Chinese or the Russian access to data, you had no issue and even cheered on their actions.

Fighting government overreach is a good thing, actually.

 

[Kirby1]

What you are defining is not "free speech", rather you are defining "regulated speech" or "privileged speech". It's a common fault many Europeans make when trying to claim they have free speech comparable to Americas.

When your government determines what you can or cannot say, you do not have free speech either. That is what Twitter was doing before Musk bought it, and there were many a rich guy who were making decisions on what was allowed on twitter. You also ignore that the reason Musk, and many others, were banned on twitter was because a rich guy disagreed with them on whatever subject they may have cared about.

Hypocrisy isnt a good look.

You guys need to get your Musk Derangement Syndrome checked out. When it was social media denying the Chinese or the Russian access to data, you had no issue and even cheered on their actions.

Fighting government overreach is a good thing, actually.

Always ready to argue in favor of being unable to see the forest through the trees. Pretty predictable at this point.

 

[Theinsanegamer]

Always ready to argue in favor of being unable to see the forest through the trees. Pretty predictable at this point.

Do you have any counterargument that isnt a failed attempt at a snarky comeback?

 

[Kirby1]

Do you have any counterargument that isnt a failed attempt at a snarky comeback?

I'm sure anything I could say would be promptly dismissed by you with some petty phrasing like "Musk derrangment syndrom". You're not a serious person, you're just noise. There is no point in trying to debate you on anything. You lack the ability to process information without an extreme bias.

 

[Theinsanegamer]

I'm sure anything I could say would be promptly dismissed by you with some petty phrasing like "Musk derrangment syndrom". You're not a serious person, you're just noise. There is no point in trying to debate you on anything.

If you could provide an argument that didnt rely on dismissing everyone who disagrees with you as "just noise" maybe you wouldnt be getting blown off in the comments.

You lack the ability to process information without an extreme bias.

The irony here is palpable.

 

[DrSuess]

At the end of the day if they don't comply with the government ban and block them from operating in the country. Musk or anyone else can't operate in a country and thumb their noses as the laws rules and regulations, courts while doing business in that country.

He should be careful if it escalates and the file a contempt warrant, Musk won't be able to step a foot in any EU country which would be a bigger blow to his other companies.

 

[Kirby1]

If you could provide an argument that didnt rely on dismissing everyone who disagrees with you as "just noise" maybe you wouldnt be getting blown off in the comments.

The irony here is palpable.

Blown off... multiple ppl already upvoted what I said. You're the only one arguing. No one is blowing me off but it's cute how you try to distort reality in real time even when there is clear text records of it all.

 

[Theinsanegamer]

Blown off... multiple ppl already upvoted what I said. You're the only one arguing. No one is blowing me off but it's cute how you try to distort reality in real time even when there is clear text records of it all.

At least you can admit that what you find factually correct is based on a popularity contest.

At the end of the day if they don't comply with the government ban and block them from operating in the country. Musk or anyone else can't operate in a country and thumb their noses as the laws rules and regulations, courts while doing business in that country.

He should be careful if it escalates and the file a contempt warrant, Musk won't be able to step a foot in any EU country which would be a bigger blow to his other companies.

Well many buyers int he EU have turned away from Tesla already and Starlink isnt the cash cow it is in the US, so based on how much money twitter makes there, maybe he doesnt see a reason to continue business there?

I mean, its gonna take a long time, literal years, for the EU to go that far through all their bureaucracy, perhaps hes betting on fighting the French long enough its not seen as being worthwhile to pursue?

 

[Kirby1]

At least you can admit that what you find factually correct is based on a popularity contest.

Distorting reality again.

I didn't say that. I just said no one is blowing me off and the only one arguing here currently is you.

 

[Theinsanegamer]

Distorting reality again.

I didn't say that. I just said no one is blowing me off and the only one arguing here currently is you.

You gotta have a stronger argument if you want to gaslight people. If you open with "well my post gets more updoots so there" then yeah, you're basing your truth on popularity. Claiming I "distort reality" doesnt change your actions.

 

[Kirby1]

You gotta have a stronger argument if you want to gaslight people. If you open with "well my post gets more updoots so there" then yeah, you're basing your truth on popularity. Claiming I "distort reality" doesnt change your actions.

Point to the part where anyone blew me off.

 

[koblongata]

Commie Europe

 

[Rumiku]

Always ready to argue in favor of being unable to see the forest through the trees. Pretty predictable at this point.

Theinsanegamer used valid (and well documented by this point in time that is neigh irrefutable) examples to state your assertion was factually wrong. Ignoring the myriad of logical fallacies you used and a few personal attacks in the ensuing back and forth banter, I'm genuinely curious where he was "matter of factly" incorrect, as you imply?

Quite succinctly, the United States is the only country where free speech can flourish with the least resistance and even then, we are curtailed in areas we should not (especially during a free-speech hostile administration). I'm quite thankful for Musk and his purchase of Twitter. Free speech does include a person being able to voice their opinion to all, without restriction, even on a platform like X. However, using an example of a newspaper, they can chose to print it on the front cover or relegate to "page 9" from which their mantra "freedom of speech, not freedom of reach" is born from.

If Musk was a "rich guy" and the true opposite of the previous owner, you yourself would be banned. He has not done that.

 

[Kirby1]

Theinsanegamer used valid (and well documented by this point in time that is neigh irrefutable) examples to state your assertion was factually wrong. Ignoring the myriad of logical fallacies you used and a few personal attacks in the ensuing back and forth banter, I'm genuinely curious where he was "matter of factly" incorrect, as you imply?

Quite succinctly, the United States is the only country where free speech can flourish with the least resistance and even then, we are curtailed in areas we should not (especially during a free-speech hostile administration). I'm quite thankful for Musk and his purchase of Twitter. Free speech does include a person being able to voice their opinion to all, without restriction, even on a platform like X. However, using an example of a newspaper, they can chose to print it on the front cover or relegate to "page 9" from which their mantra "freedom of speech, not freedom of reach" is born from.

If Musk was a "rich guy" and the true opposite of the previous owner, you yourself would be banned. He has not done that.

What did I say that was factually wrong?

I don't use Twitter. If Musk owned Techspot, I probably would be banned.

I never said he was the opposite of the previous owner.

 

[toooooot]

It has been proven many times that telegram actually is used by criminal world.
I am a bit more skeptical regarding X, though. It is enough for me to know that a lot of people
hate it for allowing information that is banned on many so-called liberal platforms.
There is something that makes me doubt X's criminality even more when it comes to specific more progressive countries such as Germany, UK, or France. Their governments show automatic unity when it comes to specific topics, values, and groups. X has been known to defy those continually, ever since Musk bought Twitter. Those topics cannot even be considered independent topics as they have become the religion of progressive, enlightened liberal, people.
I suspect that the real crime of X was exactly that--disrespecting religion of these respected communities or people. The things they hold holy must not be mocked, criticized, or in some cases even talked about. And one thing I respect X for is refusing to do exactly that.

Just as an example, you tube has groups you can't criticize. Or rather you can but your comment will disappear without warning or a notification. I am not talking about foul mouthing calling for violence or calling names. Mention the community and negative context and Youtube will fix it. They have created holy cows for themselves; they made caste system like that in India. And no, they do not want to practice their religion themselves like some groups do. They want everyone to stand on their knees and worship. Anyone refusing to do will forever be found guilty of multiple crimes which must be punished.

 

[wiyosaya]

What you are defining is not "free speech", rather you are defining "regulated speech" or "privileged speech". It's a common fault many Europeans make when trying to claim they have free speech comparable to Americas.

When your government determines what you can or cannot say, you do not have free speech either. That is what Twitter was doing before Musk bought it, and there were many a rich guy who were making decisions on what was allowed on twitter. You also ignore that the reason Musk, and many others, were banned on twitter was because a rich guy disagreed with them on whatever subject they may have cared about.

Hypocrisy isnt a good look.

You guys need to get your Musk Derangement Syndrome checked out. When it was social media denying the Chinese or the Russian access to data, you had no issue and even cheered on their actions.

Fighting government overreach is a good thing, actually.

So I guess you are saying fElon does not have to obey the law, courts, or any other authority and you are advocating for Anarchy? In other words, fElon can do anything he damn well pleases? Good luck with that.

 

[Kirby1]

It has been proven many times that telegram actually is used by criminal world.
I am a bit more skeptical regarding X, though. It is enough for me to know that a lot of people
hate it for allowing information that is banned on many so-called liberal platforms.
There is something that makes me doubt X's criminality even more when it comes to specific more progressive countries such as Germany, UK, or France. Their governments show automatic unity when it comes to specific topics, values, and groups. X has been known to defy those continually, ever since Musk bought Twitter. Those topics cannot even be considered independent topics as they have become the religion of progressive, enlightened liberal, people.
I suspect that the real crime of X was exactly that--disrespecting religion of these respected communities or people. The things they hold holy must not be mocked, criticized, or in some cases even talked about. And one thing I respect X for is refusing to do exactly that.

Just as an example, you tube has groups you can't criticize. Or rather you can but your comment will disappear without warning or a notification. I am not talking about foul mouthing calling for violence or calling names. Mention the community and negative context and Youtube will fix it. They have created holy cows for themselves; they made caste system like that in India. And no, they do not want to practice their religion themselves like some groups do. They want everyone to stand on their knees and worship. Anyone refusing to do will forever be found guilty of multiple crimes which must be punished.

Since this article doesn't even try to explain what is actually going on here and just focuses on Musk whining about it, I will explain here:

The French authorities are claiming X uses its algorithms to puish one sided information. Or in other words, Musk softbans people he doesn't like while propping up people he does.

There is already plenty of evidence that he does this, it's nothing new.

 

[rhavenn]

Theinsanegamer used valid (and well documented by this point in time that is neigh irrefutable) examples to state your assertion was factually wrong. Ignoring the myriad of logical fallacies you used and a few personal attacks in the ensuing back and forth banter, I'm genuinely curious where he was "matter of factly" incorrect, as you imply?

Quite succinctly, the United States is the only country where free speech can flourish with the least resistance and even then, we are curtailed in areas we should not (especially during a free-speech hostile administration). I'm quite thankful for Musk and his purchase of Twitter. Free speech does include a person being able to voice their opinion to all, without restriction, even on a platform like X. However, using an example of a newspaper, they can chose to print it on the front cover or relegate to "page 9" from which their mantra "freedom of speech, not freedom of reach" is born from.

If Musk was a "rich guy" and the true opposite of the previous owner, you yourself would be banned. He has not done that.

The 1st amendment only protects you from the government shutting you down. Private businesses are free to ban you for whatever reason they want unless you're in a protected class and they ban you for protected class reasons. ie: being white and wanting to spout insane bullshit is not a protected class. Yelling "fire" or "bomb" in a theatre is not "free speech". Spouting conspiracy theories and bull **** to the internet is also not "free speech". If a private company wants to ban you for that...that's not a violation of your free speech. It just means they don't like you and/or how you impact their bottom line and/or their "public image". If the government arrests you for it then that's a violation of your free speech.

r/conservative has no problem banning and shadow banning anyone they don't like. By your definition that's a violation of my free speech and I should be able to post aything I want on that sub-reddit.

The problem is that X is now, under Musk, more about "free speech" that Musk or the right-wing likes and less about actual free speech since Musk has a history of de-platforming people he disagrees with.

The US government is also less about free speech under Trump then at anytime in its history. Arresting and, when they can get away with it, deporting people they disagree with or don't like. Threatening people with lawsuits and "shutting them down" when they disagree with Trump policy or make fun of Trump. That's a violation of people's 1st amendment rights.