X Denies French Data ⁢Tampering Allegations, Calls Probe “Politically Motivated”

elon Musk’s social media ⁤platform X has vehemently denied allegations of data tampering and fraudulent data extraction made by French ⁢authorities as part of a criminal ⁣examination. The company stated it will ‌not comply with demands to hand over⁤ data, labeling the ⁣probe a “politically-motivated” attempt to “restrict free ‌speech.”

The French investigation, ​which intensified this month, centers on claims that⁢ X’s algorithm has been manipulated for foreign interference and that data has been fraudulently extracted from the platform. French prosecutors ⁤initiated ⁣the ⁤probe in January following complaints from a French member of ⁤parliament and a senior official⁤ at a ​public institution. This‌ month, ​the investigation ⁤was transferred ‍to a specialized ‌unit of France’s national police, with prosecutors indicating a focus on offenses‍ related to ⁣tampering with automated data systems and fraudulent data extraction.

X’s global government affairs account directly challenged the French authorities’ actions,asserting that the investigation‍ distorts French law to serve a political agenda. “X categorically denies these allegations,” the company stated in a post on​ its platform.

French authorities have reportedly⁣ requested⁢ access to ‍X’s recommendation algorithm and real-time data on⁤ all user posts. This data is intended for⁤ analysis by “several ‘experts'” to “uncover ⁢the truth” about the platform’s operations.‍ However, X claims to⁣ be “in the dark as to the specific allegations made” against ⁣it.

The social media giant ⁢expressed meaningful concerns regarding the impartiality of the investigation, specifically ⁤targeting the two individuals appointed to‌ review ‍X’s algorithm: David Chavalarias, director of ​the Paris Complex systems Institute (ISC-PIF),​ and Maziyar Panahi, an AI platform​ leader at ISC-PIF. X highlighted ⁤that Chavalarias leads a campaign called “Escape X,” which​ encourages ‍users to leave the platform,and that Panahi has participated in research projects with Chavalarias demonstrating “open hostility towards ⁢X.” Both researchers have been named in a research paper related to⁣ X.

“The ‌involvement‍ of these individuals raises serious concerns about ‍the‍ impartiality, fairness, and political motivations of the​ investigation, to put it charitably. A⁢ predetermined outcome is not a fair ⁢one,” X declared.

X emphasized that its decision not‍ to comply⁤ with the⁢ French ‌authorities’ demands was not taken ⁣lightly, but was based on⁢ its legal rights ​and the ​belief that the⁢ facts “speak for themselves.” ‌The company maintains that the investigation is designed to restrict free speech.

CNBC has​ reached out to the⁢ Paris ⁣prosecutor’s office and both‌ Chavalarias and Panahi for comment.