French authorities have launched an investigation into the social media platform X, following complaints on January 12, 2025, alleging its algorithm facilitated foreign interference in national elections.
The probe, led by the Commission Nationale de l’Informatique et des Libertés (CNIL), targets claims that X’s content prioritization amplified disinformation campaigns, potentially linked to external actors during the 2024 regional polls. No specific countries are named, but the focus is on automated content distribution.
The investigation, reported on July 11, 2025, by local media, involves analyzing X’s data-handling practices, with fines up to €20 million or 4% of global turnover possible under EU regulations. X has not commented, but critics argue the platform’s lack of transparency fuels such probes.
The move mirrors EU-wide scrutiny of tech giants, with France citing 1.5 million affected users. Skeptics question the evidence’s specificity, suggesting political motives, while regulators demand algorithm audits by August 2025.