French police search X office in Paris, summon Elon Musk for questioning - TechCrunch

French authorities recently conducted a raid on the Paris office of X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, as part of an investigation led by the Paris prosecutor's cybercrime unit. This investigation, which began in January 2025, focuses on allegations related to the distribution of child abuse images, the use of deepfake technology, algorithm manipulation, and illicit data extraction. The operation highlights ongoing concerns regarding the platform's role in facilitating harmful content and reflects broader societal concerns about child safety in the digital age (TechCrunch, CBS News, France24, AP News). 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. 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 concerning their influence and operations (The Hindu, TechCrunch, Deadline). The investigation into X is part of a growing trend of legal and regulatory challenges faced by major social media platforms. It emphasizes the ongoing tension between user freedom and the need for safety and accountability. 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 (The Hindu, AP News). 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 scrutiny of X reflects a broader societal concern regarding the responsibilities of social media platforms in monitoring and preventing the spread of illegal content, particularly as deepfake technology becomes more sophisticated and accessible (CBS News, Ars Technica).