Elon Musk's X Faces Legal Showdown in Germany Over Election Data

Elon Musk's company X is embroiled in a legal clash with German activists over access to election data, following a court ruling mandating data sharing for the February 23 election. X contests the judge's impartiality, citing bias. A decision is anticipated on February 27.

Elon Musk-owned X has become embroiled in a significant legal dispute in Germany, centered around access to election data. The company secured a court motion to eliminate a judge overseeing the legal proceedings between X and two activist groups seeking real-time election data sharing.

Earlier this month, a Berlin regional court agreed with civil activist groups to compel X, previously known as Twitter, to provide real-time election data access until two days after the February 23 vote. The activist groups need the data to monitor misinformation and disinformation related to the election.

X has filed an appeal and a motion to remove the judge, citing bias due to positive interactions with social media content from the plaintiffs, Democracy Reporting International, and the Society for Civil Rights. The decision was confirmed by the court and the activist groups, with most motions against other judges being dismissed.

The case highlights a broader conflict between Germany's political establishment and Musk, who has criticized Chancellor Olaf Scholz and supported the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). The activists argue that X has a legal obligation to provide searchable and collated access to important election data.

X plans to sue the German government, claiming its demands for user data infringe upon privacy and freedom of expression. The German digital affairs ministry is aware of X's intent but notes that no lawsuits have been filed yet.

A hearing on the preliminary injunction is scheduled for February 27, with a verdict expected that day. The timing means activists won't get real-time data access but the ruling may set a precedent for future cases.

Meanwhile, Musk and the newly formed U.S. Department of Government Efficiency are working on scaling down federal bureaucracy under President Donald Trump's directives.