French Prosecutor Investigate Elon Musk's X On Alleged Algorithm Bias

JAKARTA French prosecutors have opened an investigation into social media platform X, which is owned by Elon Musk, on suspicion of algorithmic bias.

The investigation was announced just days before the major AI summit in Paris, which world leaders will attend, including US Vice President JD Vance and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as executives from Alphabet and Microsoft.

The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed that the investigation began on January 12, after receiving a report from a French lawmaker claiming that algorithm X could potentially damage the operation of the automated data processing system.

Until now, X has not responded to requests for comment from the media.

The investigation further emphasized global concerns over X's influence, especially after Elon Musk changed Twitter's name to X and used the platform to support parties and right-wing movements in various countries, including Germany and the UK.

French lawmaker Eric Bothorel revealed through X that he had submitted an official letter to the J3 cyber unit at the Paris prosecutor's office to convey his concerns regarding the potential algorithmic bias in X.

"Prosecutors and specialist assistants from cyber units are analyzing this report and conducting preliminary technical examinations," said the French prosecutor's office.

Unit J3 at Paris prosecutor's office has previously led an investigation into Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, who was arrested at Paris airport last year. Telegram is now working closely with authorities to remove illegal content after the incident.

This unit is known to have an aggressive approach in implementing the law against owners of major digital platforms. Last year, X also experienced a more than a month in Brazil, for failing to stop the spread of misinformation, before finally complying with orders from the Brazilian Supreme Court.