French prosecutors escalate inquiry into Elon Musk and X to criminal probe
Paris officials have opened a formal criminal investigation into the social media platform following the failure of its leadership to appear for questioning regarding alleged possession of images of minors and the dissemination of deepfakes.
French prosecutors have officially escalated an investigation into Elon Musk, X Corp, xAI, and former CEO Linda Yaccarino to a formal criminal probe. This significant shift in legal proceedings follows the failure of Musk and Yaccarino to appear for a previously voluntary summons issued in April regarding illegal content hosted on the platform.
The inquiry now specifically targets the alleged possession and distribution of pornographic images of minors, the dissemination of Holocaust-denial claims via the Grok service, and the creation of sexually explicit deepfakes. Paris public prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed that investigating judges have been asked to issue warrants equivalent to indictments should the executives fail to comply with the new summons.
Authorities warn that if Musk or Yaccarino do not attend, they can be charged with preliminary criminal offences in their absence. This marks a distinct departure from the initial voluntary request for questioning, moving instead to compulsory measures designed to compel attendance and gather comments from the accused parties.
The legal process has been ongoing since January 2025, when a report by MP Eric Bothorel led to the opening of a preliminary investigation. Law enforcement conducted a raid on X's Paris office in February, and the platform subsequently refused to comply with a court order to hand over its algorithm, a point highlighted by prosecutors during the escalation.
Bothorel, who made the initial report to authorities, commented that failing to appear for a judicial summons was a poor defence strategy. He expressed satisfaction that the French justice system is treating the issue seriously, noting that the investigation aims to uphold the law and protect individuals who have been victims of criminal offences, both online and in real life.
The US Justice Department has informed French authorities it will not assist in the investigation, characterising the French move as a politically charged attempt to regulate US business activities. X has characterised the probe as a politicised criminal investigation and an abusive act of law enforcement theatre, while the legal process in France may last months or years before a decision is made to send the accused to trial or drop the case.
