US condemns French probe into X platform over alleged interference
Paris cybercrime prosecutors initiated the police probe on July 11, citing potential crimes such as manipulating and extracting data from automated systems 'as part of a criminal gang.' X has denied the allegations, labeling them 'politically motivated' and refusing to comply with requests to disclose its recommendation algorithm and real-time data.
The investigation stems from two January complaints alleging that X's algorithm facilitated foreign interference in French politics. Eric Bothorel, an MP from President Emmanuel Macron's party, accused the platform of reducing 'diversity of voices and options' and criticised Musk's 'personal interventions' in its management.
X responded, 'categorically denies all allegations,' arguing the probe 'is distorting French law in order to serve a political agenda and, ultimately, restrict free speech.' Musk, who also leads Tesla and SpaceX, has drawn criticism for his involvement in European politics, including endorsing Germany's far-right AfD party ahead of elections.
Bothorel remarked, 'Democracy is too fragile to let digital platform owners tell us what to think, who to vote for or even who to hate.' - AFP
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
19 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Netherlands bars two hardline Israeli ministers
AMSTERDAM: The Netherlands has declared Israel's finance and national security ministers persona non grata for inciting violence and urging ethnic cleansing in Gaza. In June, the Netherlands backed a failed Swedish proposal to impose EU sanctions on Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. "They repeatedly incited settler violence against Palestinians, promoted illegal settlement expansion, and called for ethnic cleansing in Gaza," Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp told parliament in a letter released late Monday. Smotrich responded on X, saying European leaders had succumbed to "the lies of radical Islam that is taking over" and "rising antisemitism." Ben-Gvir said he would continue to act for Israel, even if he was banned from entering "all of Europe." "In a place where terrorism is tolerated and terrorists are welcomed, a Jewish minister from Israel is unwanted, terrorists are free, and Jews are boycotted," he wrote on X. Veldkamp said the Netherlands wanted to "relieve the suffering of the population in Gaza" and was exploring further ways to contribute to humanitarian aid. "Airdrops of food are relatively expensive and risky," he said. "This is why the Netherlands is also taking steps to further support land-based aid delivery." Aid drops resumed in Gaza on Sunday as Israel announced temporary humanitarian pauses in parts of the besieged territory. Around 2.4 million Palestinians in Gaza are facing what UN aid agencies have warned is a deadly wave of starvation and malnutrition. The UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Initiative (IPC) said on Tuesday that famine is unfolding across much of Gaza, with thresholds breached and over 20,000 children treated for acute malnutrition since April. Veldkamp said the Netherlands would push to suspend the trade element of the EU-Israel Association Agreement if Israel fails to meet its humanitarian obligations. "The summons will also be used to remind Israel to comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law," he said. After speaking by phone with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said the government's position was "crystal clear." "The people of Gaza must be given immediate, unfettered, safe access to humanitarian aid," he said. Israel's foreign ministry said Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa'ar had summoned the Dutch ambassador Marriët Schuurman to Jerusalem for a formal reprimand on Tuesday afternoon. "The conversation will take place in light of the Dutch government's decisions to take measures against Israel, including against its right to defend itself and against ministers in its government," the ministry said in a statement. The war in Gaza was sparked by Hamas's Oct 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed 59,921 Palestinians, also mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Netherlands bans Israeli ministers over Gaza violence incitement
AMSTERDAM: The Netherlands has barred two Israeli ministers from entering the country, accusing them of inciting violence and advocating ethnic cleansing in Gaza. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir were declared persona non grata following their inflammatory remarks. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp stated, 'They repeatedly incited settler violence against Palestinians, promoted illegal settlement expansion, and called for ethnic cleansing in Gaza.' The decision follows the Netherlands' earlier support for EU sanctions against the ministers, which failed to pass in June. Smotrich responded on social media, accusing European leaders of yielding to 'the lies of radical Islam' and rising antisemitism. Ben-Gvir dismissed the ban, vowing to continue advocating for Israel despite being unwelcome in Europe. The Dutch government emphasized its commitment to alleviating suffering in Gaza. Veldkamp noted that while airdrops of food aid are costly and risky, the Netherlands is exploring land-based aid delivery options. Humanitarian pauses announced by Israel have allowed limited aid to resume in Gaza, where famine conditions persist. A UN-backed report confirmed that famine thresholds have been breached, with over 20,000 children treated for acute malnutrition since April. Veldkamp warned that the Netherlands may push to suspend the EU-Israel trade agreement if Israel fails to meet humanitarian obligations. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof reiterated the urgency of unfettered aid access for Gaza civilians. The conflict, triggered by Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel, has resulted in nearly 60,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza's health ministry. - AFP
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Violent videos fuel terror plots among French teens, prosecutors warn
PARIS: French prosecutors have raised alarms over a growing trend of teenage boys allegedly plotting terror attacks, with many influenced by violent videos consumed online. Cases range from a 14-year-old planning to bomb an Israeli embassy to a 16-year-old convicted of plotting attacks on far-right bars. The National Anti-Terror Prosecutor's Office (PNAT) noted a sharp rise in minors charged with terror-related offences, from 15 in 2023 to 18 in 2024, with 11 cases already recorded by July this year. Most suspects are boys aged 13 to 18, often with no prior criminal history but described as introverted or from troubled family backgrounds. A judicial source told AFP that many of these teens consume violent content unrelated to terrorism, such as videos from Latin American cartels. 'They think they're proving themselves as men by watching them,' the source said. Sociologist Farhad Khosrokhavar explained that adolescents in this age group seek recognition through violence, even if it means embracing negative role models. Social media algorithms play a significant role in accelerating radicalisation. Researcher Laurene Renaut highlighted how platforms like TikTok can quickly funnel users into extremist content. 'In less than three hours, you can find yourself in an algorithm bubble dedicated to the Islamic State,' she said. One convicted teen, motivated by a sense of injustice after watching footage of the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks, told investigators his radicalisation began at 13 while playing Minecraft. He was later sentenced to four years in prison for planning attacks on far-right bars. Critics argue that France's legal system, which charges minors for associating with terrorist criminals, often imposes harsh penalties without clear evidence of radicalisation. Defence lawyers claim some cases involve little more than aggressive online statements rather than concrete threats. Despite interventions like therapy and social media bans, experts remain uncertain about long-term deradicalisation. 'We do not know if these youth could again be drawn in by extremist ideas,' a judicial source cautioned. - AFP
