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. ********** The French authorities have opened a politically motivated criminal investigation into the alleged manipulation of X's algorithm and an alleged fraudulent extraction of data. X categorically denies these allegations. This investigation, initiated by French MP Eric Bothorel, seriously undermines X's fundamental right to due process and threatens our users' right to privacy and freedom of expression. Bothorel accused X of manipulating his algorithm for the purpose of "foreign interference", a completely false allegation. The French authorities have requested access to X's recommendation algorithm and real-time data regarding all the publications of the platform's users, so that several "experts" can analyze the data and, supposedly, "discover the truth" about the functioning of the X platform. One such expert is David Chavalarias, who runs the "Escape X" campaign. Formerly known as "HelloQuitteX", this campaign aims to encourage X users to leave the platform. A second "expert", Maziyar Panahi, has previously participated with David Chavalarias in research projects openly hostile to X. The involvement of these individuals raises serious concerns about the impartiality, fairness and political motivations of this investigation, to say the least. An investigation with a predetermined outcome is not fair. In addition, in the context of this investigation, the French authorities classified X as an "organised gang". This classification, which is normally reserved for drug cartels or mafia groups, allows the French police to use extensive investigative powers, including tapping the personal phones of French employees. X remains in the dark about the specific allegations that are being made against the platform. However, based on what we know today, X believes that this investigation is based on a misapplication of French law, in order to serve a political agenda, and, ultimately, to restrict freedom of expression. For these reasons, X did not grant the requests of the French authorities, as is our right. X did not take this decision lightly. However, in this case, the facts speak for themselves. X is determined to defend its fundamental rights, protect its users' data, and resist political censorship.