France launches criminal probe into X algorithm manipulation as Deputy Éric Bothorel files complaint alleging foreign interference in democracy. He claims that the algorithms are configured in such a way that they are not objective and rather reflect Elon Musk’s personal political views. Meanwhile, Elon Musk is experiencing another round of reputational challenges in the USA, amid escalating conflicts with Donald Trump and even the advancement of his political party.
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Éric Bothorel’s Allegations Against X: Full Details
French National Assembly Deputy Éric Bothorel announced the launch of an official investigation into platform X and its algorithmic mechanisms.
In an official document dated July 11, 2025, Bothorel stated that:
“Information distortion, which is particularly evident on platform X, serves Elon Musk’s political views, and this can only happen through algorithmic manipulation.”
The deputy, representing the 5th electoral district of Côtes d’Armor, emphasized his years-long involvement in digital issues and careful observation of social media functioning. He explained his decision to file a complaint both as a deputy and as a citizen:
“I don’t want Moscow, Silicon Valley, or anyone else to distort our democratic discussions.”
The investigation was opened and is currently transitioning to a new phase with the involvement of the Paris prosecutor’s office, which decided to conduct hearings, possible searches, and security measures regarding company executives.
The Paris prosecutor’s office officially notified the General Directorate of Gendarmerie on July 9 about the completion of the investigation. According to the communiqué, this became “the result of the work of an effective prosecutor’s office, particularly its cyber division, which should probably be strengthened at a time when cyber threats keep escalating.”
The deputy linked the initiative to broader concerns about digital influence on democratic processes:
“All this happens at a moment when the new Grok update seems to switch to the dark side of the force, with a predominance of dubious or even disgusting content.”
Bothorel concluded his statement with a call to action for the French judicial system:
“Democracy is too fragile a good to allow sorcerer’s apprentices, owners of digital platforms, to dictate to us what to think, who to vote for, or who to hate. I am very glad that French justice gives itself the means to fight these foreign interferences.”
Opposition Against Musk and His American Party Initiative
Musk faces resistance in the USA as well, from his recent ally Donald Trump. Disagreements over the spending bill led to a dramatic rift between Trump and Musk, which damaged the symbiotic relationship in which Musk donated hundreds of millions of dollars to support Trump’s campaign for a second term. Trump stated that he warned Musk during the presidential campaign about plans to terminate tax credits for electric vehicles in the event of a second-term victory.
Anyway, Musk announced the idea of a new political party for several weeks, criticizing Trump for tax and budget plans that, according to him, could lead to economic bankruptcy.
Musk declared:
“By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it! Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom.”
However, Trump sharply opposed Elon Musk after he formed a new political party:
“I am saddened to watch Elon Musk go completely ‘off the rails,’ essentially becoming a TRAIN WRECK over the past five weeks. The one thing Third Parties are good for is the creation of complete and total disruption and chaos. I think it’s ridiculous to start a third party. We have a tremendous success with the Republican Party. The Democrats have lost their way, but it’s always been a two-party system, and I think starting a third party just adds to the confusion.”
Tesla shares immediately reacted to such events. We see how over recent weeks the stock price dropped to $298 and even $290, although in recent days recovered to $313.
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Conclusion
During an open and technological market – politics affects the economy directly and immediately, while founders of tech companies begin to have unprecedented political capital. In some cases, this triggers justified resistance, while in others it sparks fear of a new generation of approaches and solutions to governance.
We’ll be watching closely to see how this develops and whether old capital or new will prevail. Stay tuned for the latest updates and opportunities in crypto, blockchain, and DeFi.
