French Police Raid X Offices as Musk Probe Escalates

French authorities raided the offices of Elon Musk’s social media platform X on Tuesday as part of a criminal investigation that has dramatically expanded since its launch in January 2025. The Paris prosecutor’s cybercrime unit conducted the searches with support from Europol and French police.

🚨 JUST IN: FRENCH POLICE RAID X’S OFFICE IN PARIS AS INVESTIGATION INTENSIFIES, MORE DETAILS EXPECTED SOON. pic.twitter.com/3PMJxO3c3K

— Coinwaft (@coinwaft) February 3, 2026

The probe initially focused on allegations of algorithmic bias but has since grown to include serious charges. Prosecutors now investigate alleged complicity in spreading child sexual abuse material, sexually explicit deepfakes, and denial of crimes against humanity.

Both Musk and former X CEO Linda Yaccarino have been summoned for questioning in April 2026. Prosecutors identified them as the platform’s de facto and de jure managers during the period under investigation.

In a symbolic move, the Paris prosecutor’s office announced it would leave X entirely. The office will now communicate exclusively through LinkedIn and Instagram, platforms owned by Microsoft and Meta respectively.

X Refuses to Cooperate, Claims Political Motivation

Musk’s platform fired back in July 2025, calling the French investigation “politically-motivated” and a threat to free speech. X denied all allegations and announced it would not cooperate with prosecutors.

“Based on what we know so far, X believes that this investigation is distorting French law in order to serve a political agenda,” the company posted on its Global Government Affairs account.

X specifically refused to provide access to its recommendation algorithm and real-time data. Prosecutors confirmed they sent a judicial request on July 19, offering a secure channel for confidential data sharing. Failure to comply could result in fines or obstruction of justice charges.

French lawmaker Eric Bothorel originally initiated the investigation, alleging X manipulated its algorithm for foreign interference purposes. X called these accusations “completely false.”

Bothorel defended the French judiciary’s independence in response. “It’s a concept that seems completely upended in the United States at the moment,” he stated. He added that France supports free speech but within defined limits.

The charges carry maximum sentences of up to 10 years. Police now have authority to conduct searches, wiretaps, and surveillance against Musk and X executives. Non-compliance could trigger arrest warrants.

UK Joins Regulatory Pressure Over Grok AI Concerns

The French investigation coincides with growing international scrutiny of X’s practices. In January 2026, UK regulator Ofcom opened its own probe into the platform over sexualized AI imagery.

The investigation centers on Grok, X’s AI tool that reportedly allows users to create and share sexualized images of women and children. Users need only simply text prompts to generate such content.

🚨KEIR STARMER SAYS UK GOVERNMENT WILL CONTROL GROK

"If X cannot control Grok, we will and we'll do it fast"

WHO THE F*CK DOES HE THINK HE IS?

Threatening to seize assets like a communist pic.twitter.com/tikelL7b3W

— Basil the Great (@BasilTheGreat) January 12, 2026

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a stark warning to the platform. “If X cannot control Grok, we will — and we’ll do it fast because if you profit from harm and abuse, you lose the right to self-regulate

he spoke.

Ofcom described reports about the AI-generated imagery as “deeply concerning.” The regulator noted such images could constitute intimate image abuse, pornography, or child sexual abuse material under UK law.

The watchdog contacted X on January 5, demanding explanation of safety measures for UK users. X responded within the deadline, though Ofcom did not disclose details of that exchange.

X referred AFP to a previous statement defending its content policies. The company said it removes illegal content, suspends offending accounts, and works with governments and law enforcement when necessary.

The formal UK investigation will determine whether X breached its legal obligations under British regulations. Starmer’s office expressed full support for any enforcement actions Ofcom deems appropriate.

The mounting legal pressure reflects growing tension between Washington and European capitals over online discourse regulation. Senior US officials have alleged censorship of right-wing voices globally, while European regulators push for stricter platform accountability.