French police have opened an investigation into claims that social media platform X, formerly Twitter, manipulated its algorithm to facilitate foreign interference. Complaints were filed in January concerning changes to the algorithm and management interventions since Elon Musk's takeover in 2022. Concerns were raised about the reduction of diverse voices and a significant uptick in political content perceived as hateful, racist, and harmful to democratic discourse. This inquiry follows contributions from researchers and political institutions in France seeking to understand the implications of these algorithmic changes.
The first complaint was filed by centrist MP Eric Bothorel, warning of algorithm changes and interferences in management since Elon Musk's acquisition, posing risks to democracy.
Bothorel expressed concern about a reduction in the diversity of voices on X, which undermines a secure and respectful social media environment, citing unclear criteria for algorithm changes.
The second complaint from a cybersecurity director claimed major modifications to the X platform's algorithm are leading to increased hateful and racist content, threatening democratic debate.
The investigation was initiated after contributions from French researchers and political institutions, indicating a serious examination of the influences on social media algorithms.
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