French authorities raid X's offices as part of algorithmic investigation

French judicial authorities have executed a search warrant at the Paris offices of X, the social media company owned by Elon Musk, intensifying a formal investigation into its business practices. The operation was carried out on Tuesday by the Paris prosecutor's cybercrime unit in coordination with Europol and French police cyber specialists. This action represents a major escalation in an ongoing probe, initially opened in January 2025, which is examining the inner workings and potential legal compliance of the platform's core algorithms.

Legal scrutiny targets platform's core algorithms

The investigation centers on the algorithmic operation of the X platform, a key focus of regulatory concern worldwide. Algorithms dictate content prioritization, amplification, and user engagement on social networks, with critics arguing they can promote harmful content, manipulate public discourse, or operate opaquely. The French probe appears to be a direct examination of these systems, seeking to determine whether X's practices comply with European Union digital regulations, including the Digital Services Act (DSA), which imposes strict transparency and accountability requirements on very large online platforms.

High-profile summons for Musk and former CEO

In a clear signal of the investigation's seriousness, the Paris Prosecutor's Office has summoned two of the company's most prominent figures for questioning. Both Elon Musk, the owner and high-profile figurehead of X, and Linda Yaccarino, the platform's former chief executive, have been called for "voluntary hearings" scheduled for April 20. While voluntary, these summons carry significant legal weight and indicate prosecutors are seeking direct testimony from the leadership responsible for the platform's strategic direction and operational decisions during the period under review.

A broader clash over platform governance and free speech

This legal action is the latest flashpoint in an ongoing conflict between Musk's vision for X and European regulatory standards. Since acquiring Twitter, Musk has championed a maximalist free speech approach, reinstating previously banned accounts and reducing content moderation teams. European regulators, however, enforce strict rules against hate speech, disinformation, and require algorithmic transparency. The Paris raid underscores the tangible consequences of defying these rules. Notably, the prosecutor's office announced it would cease its own official communications on X, migrating to LinkedIn and Instagram—a symbolic move highlighting the breakdown in trust between the platform and a key state institution.