Elon Musk’s X rejects French data probe, calls it politically motivated

Social media platform X

Elon Musk’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has refused to comply with demands from French prosecutors amid a criminal probe into alleged algorithm manipulation and data fraud, calling the investigation politically charged and an attack on free speech.

The case, which began in January after complaints from a French MP and a public official, is now being handled by a specialised unit of France’s national police. Authorities are reportedly investigating whether X’s recommendation system was used for foreign interference and whether data was unlawfully extracted from the platform.

In a public statement on Monday via its Global Government Affairs account, X rejected all accusations, calling the probe a “politically-motivated” effort to distort French law for censorship. The company said it will not hand over its algorithm or real-time user data as requested, arguing that the legal basis is unclear and that it remains “in the dark” about the exact nature of the charges.

X also criticised the selection of two French experts—David Chavalarias and Maziyar Panahi—tasked with examining its platform. It accused both of having an anti-X bias, citing their past collaborations and Chavalarias’s campaign titled “Escape X,” which urges users to leave the platform.

Calling the investigation unfair and preloaded with bias, X said its refusal to comply is legally justified and not taken lightly. The platform maintains it is being unfairly targeted for political reasons under the guise of legal scrutiny.