French authorities raid X offices in investigation of Grok chatbot misuse
French police raided X's offices in Paris as part of a year-long investigation into alleged misuse of algorithms and deceptive data extraction by the platform or its executives. The investigation has expanded to include complaints about the Grok AI chatbot's capability to generate sexual imagery without consent, including involving minors, and potential involvement in child sexual abuse material.
What happened
The French National Police raided X offices in Paris on 3 February 2026 as part of a year-long investigation by the Paris Prosecutor's Office into alleged misuse of algorithms and deceptive extraction of user data by the platform or its executives.
The investigation has expanded following complaints about the Grok AI chatbot's capability to generate sexual imagery without the consent of subjects, including minors. The inquiry also covers suspected involvement in withholding and distributing child sexual abuse material and violation of rights through fabricated sexual imagery.
Reported impact
The Paris Prosecutor's Office stated the investigation aims to ensure X complies with French law, though enforcement is complicated by the residence of responsible parties outside France.
The UK Information Commissioner's Office launched a formal investigation into Grok regarding handling of personal data and production of explicit sexual content without consent of rights holders, characterizing these concerns as a potential danger to individuals under UK data protection law.
Index analysis
The Paris Prosecutor's Office noted the investigation seeks to determine whether the platform or its executives used deceptive methods to extract user data.
Governance controls
Elon Musk, former chief executive Linda Yaccarino, and other X employees were summoned to appear for questioning between 20โ24 April 2026, with opportunity to present their position on facts and clarify proposed compliance measures.
Musk denied the French investigation's initial allegations in July 2026, characterizing it as 'criminal proceedings with political motivations'.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.