According to Reuters on May 8, the Paris prosecutor's office has moved the case related to X into the judicial investigation phase. This means that a judge will now oversee the proceedings. Prosecutors are in the process of formally including X.AI Holdings, X, xAI, Musk, and Linda Yaccarino, the former CEO of X, as subjects of the investigation.
This action signifies a shift to a more serious stage of inquiry, moving beyond preliminary investigations. Reuters reports that if the individuals do not comply with summonses, the investigating judge may issue warrants for their arrest.
The allegations have broadened as well. According to the Associated Press, French authorities are examining issues related to the distribution of child sexual exploitation material, the dissemination of non-consensual sexual deepfakes, conspiracy to deny crimes against humanity, and suspicions of manipulating automated systems. The investigation also includes concerns that Grok generated sexually explicit deepfakes and Holocaust denial responses.
Musk and Yaccarino were previously summoned for voluntary questioning in April but did not respond. Both Reuters and AP have reported that neither attended the summons.
This investigation illustrates that French regulatory scrutiny is extending beyond X to Musk's AI ventures. Given that X and xAI are developing both a platform and generative AI, analysts suggest that the outcome of this investigation could increase operational burdens in Europe for Musk's businesses.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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