Researcher threatens X with lawsuit after falsely linking him to French probe

Elon Musk's platform, X, is standing firm against a request from French authorities for user data, asserting that it is acting in defense of user privacy and free speech. The company has branded the investigation into potential algorithm manipulation as politically motivated. In a statement shared on Monday, X's Global Government Affairs account rejected the accusations, claiming that the French investigation undermines the platform's right to due process and jeopardizes users' privacy rights. The company has indicated its intention to contest what it describes as an improper request for data, alleging that French politician Eric Bothorel instigated the inquiry due to his fears that X's algorithm could influence the political views of users in France. Reports earlier this month revealed that French authorities were investigating whether X was promoting hateful or discriminatory content. To assess whether there was any malicious intent behind the platform’s recommendation system, officials sought access to X's algorithm and real-time data on user posts, hoping to have experts analyze this information to uncover the platform's operational realities. However, X's response to the inquiry may have muddled some key facts, raising questions about its claims. Notably, X suggests that Bothorel was the sole instigator of the investigation, while the Paris Prosecutor's Office clarified that the probe was initiated following reports from both a Member of Parliament and a senior official from a public institution. Furthermore, X has named two experts they allege are biased against the platform; however, at least one of these individuals has denied any involvement in the investigation.