French authorities summoned American billionaire Elon Musk for a “voluntary interview” and searched X’s local offices on Tuesday afternoon, as prosecutors are currently investigating alleged political interference and the dissemination of sexual deepfakes on the social media platform.
Consequently, the operation aligns with separate probes from Britain and the European Union regarding Musk’s AI chatbot, Grok. Investigators claim the chatbot generated sexualized images of women and children, which triggered an immediate international backlash from regulators.
Deepfake and Interference Probe
The French investigation initially began in January 2025 following allegations that X’s algorithm interfered with national politics. However, the probe now encompasses Grok’s dissemination of Holocaust denials and harmful sexual deepfakes of minors.
“Summons for voluntary interviews on April 20, 2026, in Paris have been sent to Mr Elon Musk and Ms Linda Yaccarino,” the Paris prosecutor’s office stated. This summons addresses their roles as de facto and de jure managers during the events. Although Yaccarino resigned as CEO last July, authorities still require her testimony regarding company management.
Furthermore, the investigation involves Europol and focuses on suspected criminal offenses, including complicity in possessing child sexual abuse material. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed that X employees must also appear between April 20 and 24 to testify as witnesses.
Global Regulatory Backlash
While France moves forward, Britain’s data regulator launched an investigation to see if Musk’s companies complied with personal data laws. “The reported creation and circulation of such content raises serious concerns under UK data protection law,” the Information Commissioner’s Office announced.
Additionally, lawmaker Eric Bothorel alleged “reduced diversity of voices” and “personal interventions” by Musk since his 2022 takeover. Although X previously called the investigation “politically motivated,” the United States recently issued a condemnation to defend American free speech. Meanwhile, X’s director for France, Laurent Buanec, maintains that the platform follows “strict, clear and public rules” to protect users.
