tech
French authorities elevate Musk and X investigation to criminal inquiry
France is ramping up its investigation into X owner Elon Musk and his social media platform by announcing a slew of criminal charges pertaining to multiple scandals.
TL;DR
- France has filed nine criminal charges against X owner Elon Musk.
- Charges include complicity in possessing and disseminating child sexual abuse material via the Grok AI chatbot.
- The investigation also covers allegations of Holocaust denialism facilitated by Grok.
- Musk and former X CEO Linda Yaccarino were summoned for questioning but did not attend.
- French authorities may issue warrants if Musk and Yaccarino do not comply with the summons.
- The investigation, launched in January 2025, initially focused on political interference by X's algorithm.
- Musk previously accused France of conducting a politically motivated investigation.