France Opens Criminal Probe Against Elon Musk’s X Platform Over Alleged Algorithmic Manipulation

Paris prosecutors have launched a formal investigation into X (formerly Twitter) for suspected organized digital misconduct involving algorithmic manipulation and fraudulent data extraction. The case stems from complaints filed January 12, including one by French MP Éric Bothorel of the ruling Ensemble pour la République party.

The cybercrime unit J3—notable for arresting Telegram founder Pavel Durov in 2024—is leading the probe. This development escalates tensions between US tech giants and EU regulators, potentially signaling a new front in transatlantic digital policy conflicts.

While the investigation focuses on foreign interference concerns, cryptocurrency markets remain watchful. Platform governance controversies often trigger volatility in social media-linked tokens like DOGE, SHIB, and other meme coins historically sensitive to Elon Musk's public statements.