The social media platform X is encountering fresh challenges with French authorities, as the Paris Prosecutor’s Office has demanded access to its recommendation system and all user posts. Naturally, Elon Musk has labeled the move as politically motivated, igniting a heated debate over regulation and free speech.
The Spark of the Investigation
The investigation was triggered by a complaint from Eric Bothorel, a deputy from Emmanuel Macron’s party, who was incensed by Musk’s January advocacy for Germany’s far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) ahead of elections. This move, seen as meddling in European politics, prompted the formal probe, which now scrutinizes X for potential data manipulation and foreign interference.
A New Front in Regulating Big Tech
This development suggests European officials may be adopting a new tactic to pressure Big Tech. The Digital Services Act (DSA), with its hefty fines of up to 6% of a company’s annual turnover, has already set a precedent. Now, national-level criminal investigations could become another tool to enforce compliance. For X, this marks a significant escalation, with the platform’s operations under intense scrutiny.
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X’s Defense and Double Standards
X claims it remains “in the dark” about specific allegations but asserts the investigation distorts legal boundaries and curtails free expression. The company argues that such probes are unjustifiable in Europe, though it curiously notes that similar investigations in India face no such objections. As of now, this standoff highlights the growing friction between tech giants and regulators, with Musk’s outspoken stance fueling the controversy.
