Paris raids target X offices in data-extraction probe
Paris raids target X offices in data-extraction probe
French prosecutors raid X offices in Paris as they widen a cybercrime probe into data practices, Grok AI, and possible child-pornography offences, with Musk and Yaccarino summoned to hearings.
French prosecutors, through the cyber-crime unit in Paris, on Thursday raided the French offices of Elon Musk's X as part of a widening probe into suspected offences including unlawful data extraction and possession of child pornography. The operation marks a significant step in ongoing scrutiny of how the platform handles content and data.
Investigators say the probe began in January 2025 after authorities started examining content recommended by the platform's algorithm, and it has since expanded to include the Grok AI chatbot. Prosecutors have summoned Elon Musk and X's former chief executive Linda Yaccarino to appear at hearings in April. X has not publicly commented on the raid, though it has previously described the investigation as an attack on free speech.
Among the potential crimes prosecutors say they will probe are complicity in possession or distribution of images of children of a sexual nature, infringement of individuals' image rights through deepfake content, and fraudulent data extraction by an organised group. The office said it would step back from direct contact via X and would use LinkedIn and Instagram for communications moving forward.
Separately, UK authorities, including Ofcom, said they are continuing to investigate Grok-related deepfakes and the platform's response, underscoring ongoing global concerns about platform safety, consent, and algorithmic amplification. The case highlights how regulators are increasingly scrutinizing major tech platforms over data practices, content moderation, and safety.
As hearings in April approach, stakeholders will be watching for further disclosures about the extent of the probe and X's responses to these serious allegations.
