The Paris prosecutor’s office said the probe—initially focused on suspected misuse of algorithms and fraudulent data extraction—has been broadened following complaints about the functioning of Musk’s AI chatbot Grok. The investigation will now also cover allegations of complicity in the “detention and diffusion” of child-pornographic material and violations of image rights linked to sexually explicit deepfakes, among other potential crimes.
Musk, former CEO summoned for April hearing
Elon Musk and former X CEO Linda Yaccarino have been ordered to attend a hearing on April 20, along with several other X employees summoned as witnesses. The summons is mandatory, though it may be difficult to enforce if the individuals are not living in France. After the hearing, prosecutors may decide whether to drop the case or continue with formal charges, which could lead to custody measures.
X has not commented on the latest developments. Musk previously dismissed the initial French accusations as “politically-motivated,” while the prosecutor’s office described the investigation as a “constructive approach” aimed at ensuring X complies with French law.
UK launches parallel investigation into Grok
Separately, Britain’s privacy watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office, has launched a formal investigation into the Grok chatbot over its processing of personal data and its apparent ability to generate harmful sexualised images and videos. The probe follows reports that the AI tool was used to create non-consensual sexual imagery, including depictions involving children.
Britain’s media regulator Ofcom also said it is continuing its own investigation into X, assessing whether the platform has adequately mitigated the risk of sexual deepfakes spreading online. Ofcom clarified that it is not investigating xAI’s Grok, as the chatbot falls outside its legal remit.
EU also steps in
The European Union last week opened its own investigation into X, focusing on whether the platform disseminated illegal content following public outrage over manipulated sexualised images generated by Grok. Reuters has found that the chatbot continues to produce sexualised images even when users specify that subjects do not consent. xAI has since imposed restrictions on Grok’s image generation capabilities.
French prosecutor’s office quits X
In a further sign of growing regulatory pressure, the Paris prosecutor’s office announced it would stop using X for official communications and would instead post updates via LinkedIn and Instagram.
The investigation is being conducted by France’s cybercrime unit, in cooperation with the French police cybercrime division and Europol. The unit previously detained Telegram founder Pavel Durov in 2024 on charges including complicity in organized crime, a case his lawyer has described as “absurd.”
The probe was launched after lawmaker Eric Bothorel filed a complaint in January 2025, alleging biased algorithms had distorted X’s automated data processing systems. Bothorel later praised the expansion of the investigation on X, stating: “In Europe, and particularly in France, the Rule of Law means that no one is above the law.”