X declines to cooperate with French investigation into algorithmic bias
The social media platform X, owned by Elon Musk, is under scrutiny in France but has firmly refused to cooperate with an official investigation into alleged algorithmic bias and foreign interference. The company labelled the probe “politically motivated” in a public statement on Monday, 21 July.
French cybercrime prosecutors launched the investigation on 11 July, following two formal complaints received earlier this year. Among them was a complaint by MP Éric Bothorel, a member of President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist party, who raised concerns over the platform’s perceived narrowing of diverse viewpoints and Musk’s direct influence on content decisions since acquiring the platform in 2022.
According to prosecutors, the probe is examining possible criminal activities such as the unauthorised manipulation and extraction of data from automated systems, potentially committed “as part of a criminal gang”.
X has rejected the French authorities’ request to access its recommendation algorithm and real-time data, claiming it is under no legal obligation to comply. The company argued that the investigation misinterprets French law for political ends and could ultimately suppress free expression online.
In its response, X criticised Bothorel’s allegations, describing them as “completely false”, and expressed concern over the impartiality of the investigators appointed to examine the algorithm. Notably, the company pointed to the inclusion of experts involved with “HelloQuitteX” – an initiative encouraging users to leave the platform – as evidence of potential bias.
X also strongly objected to the classification of the matter under the “organised gang” category, a legal designation typically associated with serious criminal organisations. The company warned that this designation permits sweeping investigative powers, including wiretapping of its employees’ personal devices, which it described as excessive and inappropriate.
As of now, French prosecutors have not clarified whether the investigation will proceed under the recently enacted legislation targeting foreign interference in domestic politics.
