French authorities have officially opened an investigation into X, the social media platform at the center of recent data processing and foreign interference concerns. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau announced on Friday that X is under formal inquiry for two alleged offenses: "impairing the operation of an automated data processing system by an organized group" and "fraudulently extracting data from an automated data processing system by an organized group."
The probe has been assigned to the Directorate-General of the National Gendarmerie (DGGN), marking a significant step in France's efforts to hold tech giants accountable. In January, the Paris cybercrime unit received two formal complaints—one from a member of the French parliament and another from a senior official at a French public institution—claiming that X's algorithm was being exploited for foreign interference.
Beccuau noted that the investigation was launched "based on verifications, input from French researchers and information provided by various public institutions." These allegations highlight ongoing debates around algorithmic transparency and digital sovereignty, as governments worldwide scrutinize how social media platforms handle user data and influence political discourse.
For young global citizens, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts, this case underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and ethical data practices. As digital nomads and travelers increasingly rely on social platforms to connect and share experiences, maintaining trust in these networks becomes ever more crucial.
The developments in Paris join a growing list of international inquiries into social media governance, raising fresh questions about accountability, regulation, and the role of algorithms in shaping public opinion.
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French police open investigation into social media platform X
cgtn.com
