Investigations in France: Manipulation of X-Algorithms uncovered!

Investigations in France: Manipulation of X-Algorithms uncovered!

Vienna, Österreich - The Paris public prosecutor has initiated an investigation against social network X (formerly known as Twitter). The investigations are directed against the company and its corporate management for suspected manipulation of the algorithm in order to exert foreign influence on public discourses. These steps were announced by the public prosecutor on July 11, 2025 and are based on information that was taken in January. It is said that the algorithmic adjustments were noticeable after the takeover by Elon Musk in 2022. As a result, a reduction in the variety of opinion on the platform was observed, which is attributed to non -transparent moderation decisions.

The first note came from éric Bothorel, a national MP of the Renaissance Center-Rights Party. He criticized that "algorithmic changes" have taken place since Musk took over, which have noticeably worsened the platform in its functionality. The second note comes from an employee of the Cyber Security Department of the Civil Service and refers to "profound changes" in algorithm, which have led to the spread of hateful, racist and homophobic content. The declared goal of these manipulations is to distort the democratic discourse.

political dimension and EU interest

In addition to the national investigations, the practices of X are also the focus of the European Union. This examines possible violations of the digital services Act, which obliges social media to actively combat harmful content. The European Commission has asked X to present internal documents on its algorithms by February 15 to make the platform more transparent and moderated dangerous content.

A central accusation is that X manipulates the visibility of posts and political actors, especially from Far-Right groups. Musk has supported the alternative for Germany (AfD) in the past, which increases the concerns about a possible political instrumentalization of the platform. The dynamic, often opaque world of social media creates an environment, in the systematic manipulation of content and algorithms not only a risk of the platform, but also for democracy as a whole.

The role of social media in democracy

In the context of these developments, access to reliable information is crucial for democracy. A changed information consumption behavior has created new social vulnerabilities in recent years. The trust of the population in conventional media has decreased while social media have gained influence. Influencer: Inside, as an alternative sources of trust, which has reinforced the polarization and fragmentation of public discourse.

The challenges resulting from algorithmic manipulations are not only technical in nature. Psychological mechanisms such as the confirmation bias are specifically used to create emotional reactions. This also affects political actors such as the AfD, especially in electoral contexts, which systematically use platform algorithms to spread their messages. At a time when 67% of the population in 2024, primarily relating to the Internet and 34% only via social media, it is essential to promote transparency through algorithms and to take measures to strengthen public trust in information sources.

The investigations directed against X show how explosive the topic of algorithmic manipulation has become and what significant consequences this can have for democratic coexistence. A joint effort of platform operators, politics and civil society seems urgently necessary to ensure a healthy and open discussion culture.

For more information you can report the reports from vienna.at , techbullion and