French prosecutors have initiated a criminal investigation into Elon Musk and X following a series of summonses that were ignored. The probe centres on sexual images of minors and other alleged illegal content found on the social network. This comes after authorities had previously raided X’s Paris office in March, only to find Musk and former CEO Linda Yaccarino absent for questioning.

Earlier this year, prosecutors tried to interview both Musk and Yaccarino voluntarily but were met with no response. Now, with the threat of criminal charges, they are compelled to appear or face preliminary charges. The investigation also involves Grok’s dissemination of Holocaust-denial claims and sexually explicit deepfakes.

The Paris public prosecutor's office, led by Laure Beccuau, has announced that X Corp., xAI, Musk, and Yaccarino will be summoned for questioning. If they do not comply, a warrant equivalent to an indictment may be issued. According to Le Monde, the investigation aims to protect victims of criminal offenses both online and in real life.

X previously refused to comply with a court order to hand over its algorithm. This latest development raises questions about the responsibilities of social media giants in safeguarding content and ensuring legal compliance.