Paris prosecutors have escalated their investigation into X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, issuing a summons for Musk himself to appear for questioning. The move comes amid concerns over the spread of illegal content and potential foreign interference, highlighting the increasing scrutiny of tech companies’ content moderation practices.
According to a statement released on February 3, 2026, Musk has been asked to attend a voluntary interview on April 20, 2026. Former X CEO Linda Yaccarino, who led the company from May 2023 to July 2025, has also been summoned for questioning on the same date. Both are being called as current and former managers of the platform, respectively, in relation to the alleged offenses.
The investigation, which began in early 2025 following reports of algorithmic bias, broadened to include the conduct of X’s conversational AI chatbot, Grok. French authorities are focusing on the creation and dissemination of child pornography, the use of hyperrealistic sexual imagery, and the denial of crimes against humanity through Grok’s responses.
The probe intensified after a raid on X’s Paris offices on February 3, 2026. The investigation is being led by the Paris Public Prosecutor’s office, in collaboration with the National Cybercrime Unit of the gendarmerie and Europol.
The French prosecutor, Laure Beccuau, indicated that several X employees have also been summoned as witnesses during the same week.
In a separate development, Musk reportedly labeled the French prosecutors as “mentally retarded” following a referral to U.S. Authorities regarding potential manipulation of X’s valuation ahead of a planned initial public offering (IPO). Le Figaro reported on the comments.
The investigation also includes allegations that X was “artificially valued” in preparation for its upcoming IPO in June. La Tribune and CNews have reported on these concerns.
The developments underscore the increasing regulatory challenges facing social media platforms globally, particularly concerning content moderation and financial transparency.
