BREAKING: Prosecutors have raided the Paris offices of social media platform X as part of a high-stakes investigation into serious allegations involving child pornography and deepfakes. Elon Musk, owner of X, has been summoned for a voluntary interview scheduled for April 20, 2026.
The operation, which involves the EU police agency Europol, was confirmed earlier today and is part of a broader inquiry launched in January 2025. Authorities are investigating potential complicity in disseminating illegal content, including manipulative algorithms that may have facilitated the spread of deepfake materials and Holocaust denial.
French prosecutors assert that Musk and Linda Yaccarino, who resigned as CEO last July, are being called to provide insights into their management of the platform, particularly during the timeframe of these reported offenses. The prosecutor’s office stated, “Summons for voluntary interviews have been sent to Mr. Musk and Ms. Yaccarino in their capacity as de facto and de jure managers of the X platform.”
The investigation gained momentum following complaints regarding the platform’s alleged failure to adequately control harmful content. One significant complaint came from Eric Bothorel, a member of President Emmanuel Macron’s party, who criticized Musk’s influence on the platform’s operations.
According to the Paris public prosecutor’s office, the investigation was prompted by two initial complaints in January 2025 and expanded after reports about the AI chatbot Grok’s role in promoting Holocaust denials and inappropriate sexual content. Prosecutors highlighted concerns over the platform’s automated data processing, claiming biased algorithms may have distorted its operations.
In response to the allegations, Laurent Buanec, director of X in France, previously defended the platform, asserting it has “strict, clear, and public rules” to combat hate speech and disinformation. However, Musk has accused French authorities of conducting a “politically-motivated criminal investigation” against X.
This urgent investigation highlights ongoing tensions between social media platforms and regulatory bodies worldwide, emphasizing the need for compliance with national laws. As the probe continues, the implications for X and its management could be significant, potentially reshaping the platform’s future operational guidelines.
As developments unfold, the prosecutor’s office has confirmed plans to communicate through LinkedIn and Instagram, distancing itself from X amid the investigation. The legal responsibility for X lies in Ireland, while its French offices only manage communications and public affairs.
This developing story underscores the critical intersection of technology, regulation, and public safety. Expect updates as the situation evolves.
