Overview

• Paris prosecutors formally opened a criminal investigation on July 11, accusing X of manipulating its recommendation algorithm and engaging in fraudulent data extraction under organized-crime statutes.
• The probe grants French authorities expanded powers, including the ability to conduct wiretaps and searches of X employees’ devices.
• Investigators have demanded access to X’s recommendation algorithm and real-time user-post data for expert analysis by David Chavalarias and Maziyar Panahi.
• X has refused to comply, denouncing the inquiry as politically motivated and warning that it distorts French law to curb free speech.
• The standoff underscores broader EU enforcement of the Digital Services Act and heightens tensions over platform transparency and regulatory oversight.