Elon Musk’s social network X has rejected a French organised-crime investigation that demands its recommendation algorithm and live user data, calling the case an attempt to muzzle free expression.
X said on Monday that Paris prosecutors were “distorting French law to serve a political agenda” after police were authorised to examine the platform for suspected algorithmic bias and fraudulent data extraction. The company, formerly known as Twitter, said it would not comply with requests that could expose private posts and internal code.
The preliminary probe, upgraded earlier this month, allows investigators to use organised-crime powers such as wire-tapping employees’ devices. Prosecutors are examining whether X manipulated its feed to enable “foreign interference,” an allegation the firm denies.
In a statement on its Global Government Affairs account, X accused French MP Éric Bothorel of instigating the case and undermining “millions of users’ free speech.” Neither Bothorel nor the prosecutor’s office responded to requests for comment.
Court papers seen by X show investigators sought access to real-time data and source code for review by researchers David Chavalarias and Maziyar Panahi. Panahi said his name had been included “by mistake” and threatened defamation action; Chavalarias did not comment.
Musk, who has frequently criticised European content rules, echoed X’s stance, warning of “growing state censorship.” The clash comes as France separately investigates Telegram founder Pavel Durov under similar organised-crime statutes—a move digital-rights groups say risks chilling online debate.
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Georgia’s ruling party has launched a formal legal challenge against the BBC, accusing the British public broadcaster of spreading false, defamatory, and politically charged allegations.
Britain’s Royal Navy has successfully conducted the maiden flight of its first full-sized autonomous helicopter, designed to track submarines and carry out high-risk maritime missions amid rising tensions in the North Atlantic.
Russian President Vladimir Putin held separate calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on 16 January, offering Russia’s help to mediate tensions and promote dialogue in the Middle East.
Armenia has reaffirmed that it has no intention of taking any actions directed against Iran, with senior officials stressing that relations with Tehran remain friendly and constructive.
The Trump administration will suspend all visa processing for visitors from 75 countries beginning 21 January 2026, according to a State Department memo reported by media.
At least four people were injured after a large fire and explosions hit a residential building in the Dutch city of Utrecht, authorities said.
Sweden is sending a group of military officers to Greenland at Denmark’s request, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Wednesday, as Nordic countries and NATO allies step up coordination around the Arctic territory.
Saudi Arabia has informed Iran that it will not allow its territory or airspace to be used for any military action against Tehran, according to two sources close to the kingdom’s government cited by AFP.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said on Wednesday that Denmark was unable to change the U.S. position on Greenland after talks with American officials in Washington.
Protests that erupted across Iran in recent weeks have largely subsided following a sweeping security crackdown that residents and human rights groups say killed thousands of people.
Former Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said on Friday that the country will hold a snap election after political parties failed to form a government following the resignation of the previous administration amid widespread protests.
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to five years in prison on Friday after a court found he obstructed authorities from arresting him following his failed attempt to impose martial law in December 2024.
The United States stands by the “brave people of Iran,” and President Donald Trump "has made it clear all options are on the table to stop the slaughter," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz told the U.N. Security Council on Thursday.
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