X's Paris HQ raided by French prosecutors

French prosecutors conducted a raid on the Paris office of X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, as part of an ongoing investigation that began in January 2025. This investigation is led by the Paris prosecutor's cybercrime unit and focuses on allegations related to the distribution of child abuse images, the use of deepfake technology, and potential manipulation of X's algorithms. The prosecutors have indicated that the algorithms may have distorted the operation of an automated data processing system, giving undue prominence to certain political content, particularly from Elon Musk, without user knowledge (CBS News, France24, Deadline). As part of this inquiry, Elon Musk, the owner of X, and Linda Yaccarino, the CEO of X, have been summoned for voluntary interviews scheduled for April 20, 2026. Additionally, employees of the platform are also being summoned to serve as witnesses during the same week. This development underscores the increasing scrutiny that tech giants face from regulatory bodies worldwide, particularly regarding their influence and operations (The Hindu, TechCrunch). The investigation reflects broader societal concerns regarding child safety in the digital age and the responsibilities of social media platforms in monitoring and preventing the spread of illegal content. The scrutiny of X is part of a growing trend of legal and regulatory challenges faced by major social media platforms, emphasizing the ongoing tension between user freedom and the need for safety and accountability (AP News, Ars Technica). The outcome of the interviews with Musk and Yaccarino may set precedents for how tech companies engage with regulatory frameworks, potentially influencing future policies and practices within the industry. This situation serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges that platforms encounter as they navigate the complexities of technological advancement and ethical considerations in the digital landscape (The Hindu, CBS News).