France Turns Elon Musk and X Probe Into Criminal Investigation
French cybercrime authorities escalate their investigation into Musk and X over algorithmic manipulation and sexual deepfakes.
France just turned up the heat on Elon Musk. The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed Thursday that its cybercrime unit has escalated an existing investigation into Musk and his social network X from a preliminary inquiry to a full criminal probe.
The investigation centers on two key allegations: algorithmic manipulation and the spread of sexual deepfakes on the platform. Both carry serious legal weight under French law.
This isn't a slap on the wrist. A criminal probe means prosecutors believe there's enough substance to dig deeper, with potential charges on the table. It marks a significant escalation in European authorities' willingness to go after X directly — and its owner personally.
Musk has faced mounting regulatory pressure across Europe over content moderation failures on X. France appears ready to push hardest.