Background on the Key Players
Social media platform X, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, is at the center of a controversy following a criminal investigation initiated by France. The US Department of State has criticized this investigation, which targets X for alleged foreign interference.
The Investigation Details
According to the Paris prosecutor, the investigation stems from two January complaints alleging the use of X’s patented algorithm for foreign interference purposes. The prosecutor requested information about X’s proprietary algorithm and classified the platform as an “organized criminal group.”
US Stance on Freedom of Expression
Since regaining power in January, US President Donald Trump has been vocal about perceived threats to free speech in Europe. The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, under the Department of State, emphasized that democratic governments should allow all voices to be heard rather than silencing dissenting opinions.
The US pledged to protect the free speech of all Americans from foreign censorship acts.
X’s Response to the Investigation
On Monday, X denounced a “political agenda” and refused to comply with the Paris Prosecutor’s requests for access to its recommendation algorithm and real-time user post data.
French authorities reportedly sought access to X’s recommendation algorithm and real-time data of all user posts. The French Prosecutor’s Office announced on July 11 that it had assigned the Gendarmerie to investigate X as a legal entity and against the “physical persons” leading it.
X’s Denial of Accusations
X strongly denies the accusations of manipulating its algorithm for foreign interference purposes.
