EU launches investigation against TikTok over manipulation of elections in Romania
Photo: The European Commission has launched an investigation against TikTok (Getty Images)
The European Commission has announced the opening of formal proceedings against TikTok for possible violations of the Digital Services Act (DSA). Earlier, the platform was suspected of manipulating the Romanian elections.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that protecting democracy is an EU priority.
She emphasized that the EU should act firmly and quickly in the event of foreign interference in the elections of one of the EU countries.
“Following serious indications that foreign actors interfered in the Romanian presidential elections by using TikTok, we are now thoroughly investigating whether TikTok has violated the Digital Services Act by failing to tackle such risks. It should be crystal clear that in the EU, all online platforms, including TikTok, must be held accountable,” she said.
Among the main aspects of the investigation:
1. Consideration of the impact of TikTok's recommendation algorithms, in particular the risks of coordinated manipulation and automated actions.
2. Analysis of political advertising, namely TikTok's mechanisms for moderating paid political content.
3. A study of the issue of taking into account regional peculiarities and cultural aspects of national elections.
The proceedings are based on data from declassified Romanian intelligence reports, TikTok documents, and independent expert reports. In particular, Ireland, where TikTok's EU headquarters is located, will take an active part in the investigation.
The next steps in the investigation include collecting additional evidence, monitoring TikTok's actions, and testing its algorithms.
The European Commission has the authority to take interim measures or require changes in the company's policies if the suspicions are confirmed.
The Commission also noted that the Digital Services Act (DSA) does not limit the timeframe for completing the investigation, and the duration will depend on the complexity of the case and TikTok's cooperation with the Commission.
Background
The European Commission launched a formal investigation into the TikTok platform for possible interference in the Romanian presidential election held on November 24, 2024.
The European Commission had previously announced its suspicions about possible illegal activities of TikTok.
Romanian intelligence provided evidence of manipulation of public opinion and the spread of disinformation through this platform during the elections.
As a result of these and other manipulations during the presidential election, the Romanian Constitutional Court canceled the results of the first round, where the pro-Russian candidate won.
Also, the European Union's chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said that, given the situation in Romania, Russia has improved its methods of influencing elections in EU countries.
