Overview

• French prosecutors launched the formal criminal inquiry on Wednesday, transitioning from an initial cybercrime investigation begun in January.
• The probe targets suspected organized tampering with X’s automated data processing systems as part of a criminal syndicate.
• Investigators will examine whether the platform’s algorithm was altered to facilitate foreign interference in France’s public debate.
• Authorities are also probing allegations of fraudulent extraction of user data from X’s automated processing operations.
• The investigation builds on broader EU scrutiny of social media accountability, including Digital Services Act measures for algorithmic transparency.