Brussels Launches Investigation into TikTok's Role in Romanian Elections
In a significant move, the European Commission has opened a formal investigation into TikTok, focusing on the platform's potential role in foreign electoral interference during the recent presidential elections in Romania. The inquiry was prompted by the unexpected victory of pro-Russian candidate Călin Georgescu in the first round of elections, which raised alarms about possible manipulation through social media, particularly TikTok. The Commission aims to determine whether TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, has adequately implemented measures to prevent foreign interference and safeguard electoral integrity.
The investigation, announced on December 17, 2024, follows the annulment of the Romanian election results by the Constitutional Court, which cited a campaign of aggressive Russian hybrid attacks. Reports indicated that over 25,000 accounts were created on TikTok to promote Georgescu's candidacy, leading to concerns about the platform's recommendation systems and its handling of political advertising. The Commission has mandated TikTok to retain all relevant data until March 31, 2025, to facilitate a thorough examination of its practices.
Implications for Future Elections in the EU
The implications of this investigation extend beyond Romania. With upcoming elections in Croatia, Germany, and Poland, the European Commission is keen to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in other member states. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, emphasized the necessity of rapid and decisive action to protect democracies from foreign interference, stating, "Whenever we suspect such interference, especially during elections, we must act quickly and firmly."
TikTok has responded to the allegations by asserting its commitment to maintaining the integrity of its platform, claiming to have successfully safeguarded elections in over 150 countries. The company has denied accepting paid political advertising and has expressed its willingness to cooperate with the investigation.
Broader Context of Electoral Integrity in the EU
This investigation is part of a broader initiative by the EU to enhance the integrity of electoral processes across its member states. The Commission's scrutiny of TikTok aligns with ongoing efforts to address the challenges posed by misinformation and foreign influence in the digital age. As the EU prepares for the 2025 federal election in Germany, the outcome of this investigation could set important precedents for how social media platforms are regulated in the context of political advertising and foreign interference. The Commission's actions underscore the urgent need for robust measures to ensure that democratic processes remain free from external manipulation.