France summons Elon Musk in investigation into X and alleged political interference

French authorities have summoned Elon Musk for a voluntary interview as part of a criminal investigation into the social media platform X, focusing on allegations of political interference and harmful AI-generated content.

The summons follows a probe launched in January 2025 examining whether X’s algorithm was used to influence political processes in France. In February, prosecutors expanded the investigation to include concerns over the platform’s AI chatbot, Grok, particularly in relation to Holocaust denial content and the generation of sexualised deepfake images.

French prosecutors previously conducted searches at X’s Paris offices and summoned both Musk and former CEO Linda Yaccarino in their capacity as senior managers of the platform at the time of the events under investigation. Yaccarino stepped down from her role in July.

The investigation also involves questioning of X employees, who have been called to appear as witnesses. Authorities have indicated that the inquiry will continue regardless of whether those summoned for voluntary interviews choose to attend.

The case covers several suspected criminal offences, including potential complicity in the possession of illegal content and the denial of crimes against humanity. X has rejected the allegations and described the investigation as politically motivated.

The French probe takes place alongside broader scrutiny of X and its AI systems in other jurisdictions. Regulators in the United Kingdom and the European Union have opened separate investigations into the handling of personal data and the generation of sexualised deepfake images, particularly those involving women and minors.