French prosecutors search X’s Paris office in cybercrime investigation
The search was carried out by the Paris prosecutor’s cybercrime unit with investigators seeking documents and digital records linked to a probe examining how the platform moderates content and complies with French law, officials said. No arrests were made. The investigation focuses on allegations including the dissemination and handling of illegal
material on X including content related to child sexual abuse, hate speech and extremist propaganda, according to judicial sources. Authorities are also examining the role of algorithms in amplifying prohibited content. Prosecutors said the inquiry began last year following complaints from civil society groups and has since expanded as regulators across Europe step up enforcement against large technology platforms. As part of the probe, French authorities have summoned X owner Elon Musk and senior company executives for questioning at a later date though it remains unclear whether they will appear voluntarily. Prosecutors said the summons does not imply charges have been filed. X said it was cooperating with authorities but criticised the investigation, describing it as disproportionate and politically motivated. The company has repeatedly said it is committed to combating illegal content while protecting freedom of expression. The search comes amid mounting pressure on digital platforms in Europe under both national laws and the European Union’s Digital Services Act which imposes stricter obligations on companies to remove illegal material and assess systemic risks linked to their services. French authorities said the investigation is ongoing and declined to provide a timeline for potential legal action. Source: Reuters
