Latest news with #DavidChavalarias
The Hindu
22-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Musk's X says it won't cooperate with 'politically motivated' French probe
Elon Musk's X on Monday accused French prosecutors of launching a "politically-motivated criminal investigation" that threatens its users' free speech, denying all allegations against it and saying it would not cooperate with the probe. Earlier this month, Paris prosecutors stepped up a preliminary probe into the social media platform for suspected algorithmic bias and fraudulent data extraction, authorising police to conduct searches, wiretaps and surveillance against Musk and X executives, or summon them to testify. If they do not comply, a judge could issue an arrest warrant. "Based on what we know so far, X believes that this investigation is distorting French law in order to serve a political agenda and, ultimately, restrict free speech," the social network posted on its Global Government Affairs account. "For these reasons, X has not acceded to the French authorities' demands, as we have a legal right to do." It was not immediately clear what sort of request prosecutors had sent to X, but failure to comply with a judicial request can range from a fine to obstruction of justice charges. The Paris prosecutors' office did not respond to a request for comment. X said the probe had been instigated by Eric Bothorel, a French lawmaker, who had accused X of "manipulating its algorithm for 'foreign interference' purposes", an allegation it said was "completely false". Bothorel, in a statement, defended the independence of the French judiciary. "It's a concept that seems completely upended in the United States at the moment," he said, adding that France was committed to free speech but not without limits. "The absence of responsibility and oversight endangers freedom just as much as prohibitions and censorship do." Musk, a former ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, has accused European governments of attacking free speech and has voiced support for some of the region's far-right parties. The French probe could deepen a rift between Washington and European capitals over what sort of discourse is permitted online, with senior U.S. officials alleging the censoring of right-wing voices around the world. The European Commission has been investigating X for breaching its digital transparency rules against illegal content, known as the Digital Services Act, since late 2023. PREVIOUS RESEARCH X said Paris prosecutors had requested it hand over data on all user posts for analysis by researchers David Chavalarias and Maziyar Panahi, who it said had both exhibited "open hostility towards X". Chavalarias did not respond to a request for comment. Panahi denied any involvement in the investigation. "My name was mentioned by mistake, based on my previous research projects with David Chavalarias, none of which have ever had any hostile intent toward X," he said in an email. "The fact my name has been mentioned in such an erroneous manner demonstrates how little regard they have for the lives of others ... I will not hesitate to pursue legal action for defamation should I receive any form of hate speech." X did not respond to a request for comment on Panahi's statement. X also criticised the fact that it was being investigated under organised crime charges, which could allow police to wiretap its employees' personal devices.
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Elon Musk's X calls French probe ‘a politically-motivated criminal investigation'; says won't cooperate
Elon Musk-owned microblogging platform X (formerly Twitter) said it will not cooperate with a French probe allegedly accusing it of data tampering. According to news agency Reuters, the company accused French prosecutors of launching a "politically-motivated criminal investigation" which, it claims, threatens its users' free speech. Denying all allegations against it, X said that it would not cooperate with the probe. Sharing a post via its Global Government Affairs account, X said 'Based on what we know so far, X believes that this investigation is distorting French law in order to serve a political agenda and, ultimately, restrict free speech'. "For these reasons, X has not acceded to the French authorities' demands, as we have a legal right to do," the post added. French lawmakers accuse X of "manipulating its algorithm' French prosecutors opened a preliminary probe into the social media platform earlier this month. It was based on suspected algorithmic bias and fraudulent data extraction, reports Reuters. According to it, the probe authorized police to conduct searches, wiretaps and surveillance against Musk and X executives, or summon them to testify. If they do not comply, a judge could issue an arrest warrant. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The probe could deepen a rift between Washington and European capitals over what sort of discourse is permitted online. Here's what X said French authorities have launched a politically-motivated criminal investigation into X over the alleged manipulation of its algorithm and alleged 'fraudulent data extraction.' X categorically denies these allegations. This investigation, instigated by French politician Eric Bothorel, egregiously undermines X's fundamental right to due process and threatens our users' rights to privacy and free speech. Mr Bothorel has accused X of manipulating its algorithm for 'foreign interference' purposes, an allegation which is completely false. French authorities have requested access to X's recommendation algorithm and real-time data about all user posts on the platform in order for several 'experts' to analyze the data and purportedly 'uncover the truth' about the operation of the X platform. One of those 'experts' is David Chavalarias, who spearheads the 'Escape X' campaign. Formerly known as 'HelloQuitteX', the campaign is dedicated to encouraging X users to leave the platform. A second 'expert,' Maziyar Panahi, has previously participated in research projects with David Chavalarias that demonstrate open hostility towards X. The involvement of these individuals raises serious concerns about the impartiality, fairness, and political motivations of the investigation, to put it charitably. A predetermined outcome is not a fair one. What's more, French authorities have classified X as an 'organized gang' for the purpose of the investigation. This characterization, which is usually reserved for drug cartels or mafia groups, enables the French police to deploy extensive investigative powers under French law, including wiretapping the personal devices of X employees. X remains in the dark as to the specific allegations made against the platform. However, based on what we know so far, X believes that this investigation is distorting French law in order to serve a political agenda and, ultimately, restrict free speech. For these reasons, X has not acceded to the French authorities' demands, as we have a legal right to do. This is not a decision that X takes lightly. However, in this case, the facts speak for themselves. X is committed to defending its fundamental rights, protecting user data and resisting political censorship. Google Pixel 10 Series Launch: Everything Coming on August 20 AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Engadget
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Engadget
France launches criminal probe of X's alleged algorithm 'manipulation'
France is investigating whether X has manipulated its algorithm and engaged in "fraudulent data extraction." Prosecutors are looking into if the social media platform engaged in election interference. They launched the investigation on July 11, following reports in January. It has labelled X as an "organized gang." X's Global Government Affairs account issued a scathing breakdown of what it calls France's "politically-motivated criminal investigation" and its refusal to cooperate. The French government has requested that X provide its "recommendation algorithm and real-time data about all user posts on the platform." France is using multiple experts to look at the information. One is David Chavalarias, director of the Paris Complex Systems Institute (ISC-PIF), who leads the "Escape X" campaign. Another expert Maziyar Panahi, an AI engineer at ISC-PIF, worked on research projects alongside Chavalarias "that demonstrate open hostility towards X." Unsurprisingly, X is not happy about the involvement of Chavalarias and Panahi, claiming it could mean a predetermined outcome. As a result, X is refusing to provide French authorities with the requested access. In the statement, X said the investigation, led by parliamentarian Éric Bothorel, "egregiously undermines X's fundamental right to due process and threatens our users' rights to privacy and free speech. Mr Bothorel has accused X of manipulating its algorithm for 'foreign interference' purposes, an allegation which is completely false."
Daily Maverick
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Musk's X says it won't cooperate with ‘politically motivated' French probe
Elon Musk's social media platform X on Monday accused French prosecutors of launching a "politically-motivated criminal investigation" that threatens its users' free speech, denying all allegations and saying it would not comply with the probe. Earlier this month, Paris prosecutors stepped up a preliminary probe into X for suspected algorithmic bias and fraudulent data extraction, enlisting police to investigate alleged wrongdoing by the company or its executives. 'Based on what we know so far, X believes that this investigation is distorting French law in order to serve a political agenda and, ultimately, restrict free speech,' the social network posted on its Global Government Affairs account. 'For these reasons, X has not acceded to the French authorities' demands, as we have a legal right to do.' In the blistering attack, X also said the probe had been instigated by Eric Bothorel, a French lawmaker, who had accused 'X of manipulating its algorithm for 'foreign interference' purposes, an allegation which is completely false'. The Paris prosecutors' office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Neither did Bothorel. Musk, a former ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, has accused European governments of attacking free speech and has voiced support for some of the region's far-right parties. The French probe could deepen a rift between Washington and European capitals over what sort of discourse is permitted online, with senior officials from Trump's administration alleging the censoring of right-wing voices around the world. PREVIOUS RESEARCH X said Paris prosecutors had requested it hand over 'recommendation algorithm and real-time data about all user posts on the platform', for analysis by researchers David Chavalarias and Maziyar Panahi, who it said had both exhibited 'open hostility towards X', calling into question the impartiality of the investigation. Panahi denied any involvement in the investigation. 'My name was mentioned by mistake, based on my previous research projects with David Chavalarias, none of which have ever had any hostile intent toward X,' he said in an email. 'The fact my name has been mentioned in such an erroneous manner demonstrates how little regard they have for the lives of others … I will not hesitate to pursue legal action for defamation should I receive any form of hate speech.' Chavalarias did not immediately respond to a request for comment. X also chafed at the fact that it was being investigated under organised crime charges, which it said would grant the police measures including wiretapping its employees' personal devices. Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder of the Telegram messaging app, is also under judicial supervision in France after being arrested last year and placed under formal investigation for alleged organised crime on the app. He denies guilt. Early in July, Musk responded 'true' to a post on X in which Durov said the French 'bureaucrats' investigating X were 'waging a crusade against free speech and tech progress'.
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Musk's X says it won't cooperate with 'politically motivated' French probe
PARIS (Reuters) -Elon Musk's social media platform X on Monday accused French prosecutors of launching a "politically-motivated criminal investigation" that threatens its users' free speech, denying all allegations and saying it would not comply with the probe. Earlier this month, Paris prosecutors stepped up a preliminary probe into X for suspected algorithmic bias and fraudulent data extraction, enlisting police to investigate alleged wrongdoing by the company or its executives. "Based on what we know so far, X believes that this investigation is distorting French law in order to serve a political agenda and, ultimately, restrict free speech," the social network posted on its Global Government Affairs account. "For these reasons, X has not acceded to the French authorities' demands, as we have a legal right to do." In the blistering attack, X also said the probe had been instigated by Eric Bothorel, a French lawmaker, who had accused "X of manipulating its algorithm for 'foreign interference' purposes, an allegation which is completely false". The Paris prosecutors' office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Neither did Bothorel. Musk, a former ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, has accused European governments of attacking free speech and has voiced support for some of the region's far-right parties. The French probe could deepen a rift between Washington and European capitals over what sort of discourse is permitted online, with senior officials from Trump's administration alleging the censoring of right-wing voices around the world. PREVIOUS RESEARCH X said Paris prosecutors had requested it hand over "recommendation algorithm and real-time data about all user posts on the platform", for analysis by researchers David Chavalarias and Maziyar Panahi, who it said had both exhibited "open hostility towards X", calling into question the impartiality of the investigation. Panahi denied any involvement in the investigation. "My name was mentioned by mistake, based on my previous research projects with David Chavalarias, none of which have ever had any hostile intent toward X," he said in an email. "The fact my name has been mentioned in such an erroneous manner demonstrates how little regard they have for the lives of others ... I will not hesitate to pursue legal action for defamation should I receive any form of hate speech." Chavalarias did not immediately respond to a request for comment. X also chafed at the fact that it was being investigated under organised crime charges, which it said would grant the police measures including wiretapping its employees' personal devices. Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder of the Telegram messaging app, is also under judicial supervision in France after being arrested last year and placed under formal investigation for alleged organised crime on the app. He denies guilt. Early in July, Musk responded "true" to a post on X in which Durov said the French "bureaucrats" investigating X were "waging a crusade against free speech and tech progress". Solve the daily Crossword
