Paris Prosecutors Search X Offices in Probe Into Child Abuse Content and Deepfakes- Paris prosecutors have carried out searches at the French offices of social media platform X as part of a broad preliminary investigation into alleged criminal activity on the platform, including the spread of child sexual abuse material and sexually explicit deepfakes, authorities said Tuesday.
The investigation, opened in January last year by the Paris prosecutor’s cybercrime unit, is examining whether X may have been complicit in a range of offenses linked to how content is stored, distributed, and amplified on the platform. Prosecutors are looking into alleged complicity in the detention and dissemination of pornographic images involving minors, the circulation of explicit deepfakes, denial of crimes against humanity, and manipulation of automated data processing systems as part of an organized group.
In a statement confirming the searches, the Paris prosecutors’ office said the inquiry is ongoing and remains at a preliminary stage. Authorities emphasized that the investigation is being conducted with the aim of ensuring compliance with French law by platforms operating within the country.
“As things stand, the conduct of the investigation is based on a constructive approach, with the goal of ultimately ensuring that the X platform complies with French law on national territory,” prosecutors said.
As part of the probe, prosecutors have also filed requests for “voluntary interviews” with Elon Musk, the owner of X, and Linda Yaccarino, who served as the company’s chief executive from 2023 to 2025. Those interviews are scheduled for April 20, according to the statement. In addition, multiple employees of X have been summoned to appear during the same week to provide testimony as witnesses.
A spokesperson for X did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the investigation or the searches of its French offices.
In a notable move, the Paris prosecutors’ office announced its departure from X in a message posted on the platform itself, confirming the searches and encouraging followers to connect through other social media channels instead. The message did not specify which platforms the office would use going forward.
The origins of the investigation date back to reports filed by a French lawmaker who raised concerns about the platform’s algorithms. According to prosecutors, the initial complaint alleged that biased or distorted algorithmic processes on X were likely to have affected the functioning of an automated data processing system, potentially undermining fair and lawful use of the platform.
Authorities later expanded the scope of the investigation following additional reports related to X’s artificial intelligence chatbot, Grok. Prosecutors said these reports accused the chatbot of denying the Holocaust and generating or spreading sexually explicit deepfake content. Such allegations, if substantiated, could expose the platform to serious criminal liability under French law, particularly in areas related to hate speech, historical denialism, and the protection of minors.
The investigation reflects growing scrutiny by European authorities of major technology platforms and their role in moderating content, deploying algorithms, and developing artificial intelligence tools. France, like other European Union member states, has strengthened its legal framework in recent years to address online harms, including child sexual exploitation, disinformation, and the misuse of AI-generated content.
While the searches mark a significant escalation in the French authorities’ response, prosecutors stressed that the investigation remains preliminary and that no charges have been filed at this stage. Under French law, such investigations can continue for months or even years as authorities gather evidence, conduct interviews, and assess whether criminal proceedings should be pursued.
X, formerly known as Twitter, has faced repeated criticism in Europe since its acquisition by Musk, particularly over changes to content moderation policies and staffing reductions. European regulators and lawmakers have expressed concerns that reduced oversight could increase the spread of illegal or harmful content, including material involving minors and manipulated media.
The outcome of the French investigation could have broader implications for how global social media platforms operate within Europe, especially as regulators seek to hold companies accountable not only for user-generated content but also for the design and operation of their algorithms and AI systems.
For now, French prosecutors say their focus remains on determining whether X’s practices comply with national law and whether any criminal responsibility can be established. The searches conducted this week, along with the planned interviews in April, are expected to play a key role in shaping the next phase of the investigation.
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