French Authorities Conduct Raid on X Headquarters in Ongoing Cybercrime Probe
February 3, 2026
Business News

French Authorities Conduct Raid on X Headquarters in Ongoing Cybercrime Probe

Investigation Expands to Include Allegations Related to Sexualized Deepfake Content Linked to Grok

Summary

French prosecutors have initiated a search at the Paris offices of the social media platform X amidst an active investigation that began in January 2025. The probe, led by the Paris cybercrime unit with support from Europol, has summoned key executives, including chairman Elon Musk and former CEO Linda Yaccarino, for hearings scheduled in April. Employees of X are also expected to provide witness testimony as the investigation extends to examine alleged sexualized deepfake material associated with Grok.

Key Points

The Paris prosecutor's cybercrime unit is executing a raid on X's French offices in connection with an ongoing investigation initiated in January 2025.
Top executives Elon Musk (chairman) and former CEO Linda Yaccarino have been summoned for hearings in April, with employees also called as witnesses.
Europol is assisting local authorities in the investigation, reflecting an international cooperation framework.
The scope of the investigation has recently been broadened to include examination of sexualized deepfake content related to Grok, linked to the platform.

Authorities in Paris are intensifying their scrutiny of the social media enterprise X, owned by entrepreneur Elon Musk, by conducting an official search at the company’s offices located in France. This action represents a significant advancement in an inquiry that was formally initiated earlier in the year, specifically January 2025, signaling the gravity with which prosecutors are addressing the concerns surrounding the platform.

The operation is executed under the direction of the Paris prosecutor’s cybercrime division, a specialized unit responsible for investigating crimes committed in digital environments, with additional collaborative support from Europol, reflecting a cross-border dimension to the regulatory oversight efforts.

In line with the investigation's progression, Paris prosecutors have officially summoned prominent figures associated with X. Elon Musk, who holds the position of chairman on the platform’s board, and Linda Yaccarino, who recently served as the company's CEO, are both required to attend hearings scheduled to take place in April. These hearings aim to clarify the involvement or oversight responsibilities these executives may have regarding the matters under investigation.

Beyond corporate leadership, the inquiry mandates the participation of X's staff personnel, who are to be interviewed as witnesses. Their testimonies are expected to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the operational practices and internal controls employed by the social media company.

One notable expansion in the scope of the investigation involves the inclusion of content associated with Grok, a feature or service linked to X. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau announced that the investigative remit now encompasses potentially illicit sexualized deepfake content identified as emanating from or connected to Grok. This development introduces complex considerations around digital content moderation, legality of synthetic media, and user protection on the platform.

As of the current reporting, the examination remains in progress, and authorities have indicated that further updates will be provided as new information becomes available, underscoring the evolving nature of the case.


This probe by French authorities into a prominent global social media platform underscores the increasing regulatory challenges faced by digital communication services, particularly in policing harmful or unlawful content. The active involvement of high-level executives in the investigative process reflects the seriousness with which legal systems are approaching accountability within major technology companies.

The collaboration between national prosecutorial bodies and international organizations such as Europol highlights the transnational complexities of cybercrime and emerging issues in the digital media landscape. While the precise ramifications of the investigation remain to be seen, the expansion to include sexualized deepfake materials linked to Grok brings into focus the persistent and evolving threat of manipulated digital content and its regulation.

Without speculative commentary on future outcomes, the situation remains a developing story centered on enforcement actions and legal scrutiny of content and governance practices within the social media sector.

Risks
  • The investigation's outcome may affect X's corporate governance and operational practices in France and potentially beyond.
  • Legal scrutiny around deepfake content may lead to stricter regulatory requirements or sanctions affecting digital content management on X.
  • Executives' involvement in hearings indicates possible legal implications at the leadership level that could influence company policies or structure.
  • Ongoing procedural developments suggest uncertainty regarding the full scope and potential consequences of the investigation.
Disclosure
Education only / not financial advice
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