France Launches Criminal Investigation into Elon Musk and X

French cybercrime authorities have escalated their probe into Elon Musk and X (formerly Twitter) into a criminal investigation after Musk and former X CEO Linda Yaccarino failed to appear for questioning. The investigation, initially a preliminary inquiry, now carries the weight of criminal charges. The case centers on allegations of systemic manipulation of the platform's algorithms to amplify certain content, potentially violating French law. The decision to upgrade the probe follows months of tension between French regulators and the social media company over content moderation and transparency. Musk and Yaccarino's refusal to cooperate has prompted a more aggressive legal stance from French authorities, who are now empowered to issue summonses and seek international cooperation. The investigation could set a precedent for how European nations handle tech companies' compliance with local laws, particularly regarding algorithmic accountability. France has been at the forefront of European efforts to regulate digital platforms, with the Digital Services Act (DSA) providing a legal framework. This criminal investigation marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between European regulators and major tech firms.