French authorities raid X's Paris office over harmful content
French authorities conducted a raid on X's Paris office in February 2026 as part of an investigation into the platform's recommendation algorithm and Grok AI chatbot, reportedly examining alleged distribution of non-consensual sexual deepfakes, Holocaust denial content, and other harmful material. The investigation, which began in January 2025, has resulted in summons for Elon Musk and former CEO Linda Yaccarino.
What happened
French prosecutors conducted a raid on X's Paris offices on February 3, 2026, with support from Europol's cybercrime division. The investigation, which began in January 2025 and expanded in July 2025, examines X's recommendation algorithm and the Grok AI chatbot.
The inquiry focuses on alleged non-consensual sexual deepfake images of real women circulating on the platform, as well as Holocaust denial and antisemitic content. Prosecutors have summoned Elon Musk and former CEO Linda Yaccarino for questioning scheduled in April.
Reported impact
The platform has faced complaints from users, children, online safety experts, and politicians about non-consensual deepfake images generated by Grok. X characterized the investigation as politically motivated and an attack on free speech.
Index analysis
Alleged violations under investigation include complicity in organized distribution of child sexual abuse material, violation of personal rights through sexual deepfakes, and organized data theft. The investigation reflects broader concerns about AI-generated harmful content on social platforms.
Governance controls
X previously stated it took steps to stop the production of non-consensual images. The European Commission initiated a separate investigation into xAI over the images, and Ofcom in the UK launched similar proceedings.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.