EU Investigates TikTok Over Potential Interference in Romania
EU Launches Probe into TikTok Over Alleged Election Interference in Romania
Brussels, Belgium – The European Commission announced Tuesday it is launching a full-scale investigation into TikTok, alleging the social media platform failed to adequately address foreign interference in Romania’s recent presidential election.
The probe centers around concerns that TikTok did not sufficiently mitigate risks associated with foreign interference, particularly during the first round of the election on November 24th, which saw a surprise victory for pro-Russian candidate Calin Georgescu. Romania’s Supreme Court subsequently annulled the results due to evidence of Russian interference, ordering a new election in spring 2025.
“Following serious indications that foreign actors interfered in the Romanian presidential election using TikTok, we are now investigating whether TikTok violated the Digital Services Act by failing to address these risks,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “It must be crystal clear that in the EU, all online platforms, including TikTok, must be held accountable.”
The investigation,deemed a “priority” by the Commission,will focus on TikTok’s risk management practices related to elections and civic discourse,particularly concerning its recommendation algorithms.Specifically, the Commission will examine whether TikTok adequately addressed the risks of coordinated inauthentic manipulation and automated exploitation of its service. The probe will also scrutinize TikTok’s policies on political advertising and paid political content, including whether the platform sufficiently mitigated risks related to regional and linguistic specificities of national elections.
If the Commission’s suspicions are confirmed, TikTok could face violations in three key areas of the Digital Services Act. Though, the commission stressed that opening a formal procedure dose not prejudge the outcome of the investigation.
This marks the third investigation launched by the EU against TikTok. The decision follows analysis of declassified intelligence reports from Romanian authorities, third-party reports, TikTok’s risk assessment reports from 2023 and 2024, responses to information requests from the Commission, and internal documents provided by TikTok.
TikTok Under the Microscope: An EU Investigation Explained
NewsDirectory3.com: The European Union’s probe into TikTok over alleged Romanian election interference raises serious questions about the platform’s role in protecting democratic processes. To shed light on this complex issue, we spoke wiht Dr. Maria Schmidt, a leading expert in digital governance and platform regulation.
ND3: Dr. Schmidt, the EU alleges TikTok failed to adequately address foreign interference during Romania’s recent presidential election. Can you elaborate on the specific concerns?
Dr. Schmidt: The European Commission is focusing on two primary areas. Firstly, they’re investigating whether TikTok’s algorithms inadvertently amplified content from foreign actors seeking to influence the election.
Algorithms designed to recommend engaging content can sometimes inadvertently promote misinformation or propaganda if not carefully calibrated.
the second concern revolves around TikTok’s policies on political advertising and paid content. The Commission wants to ensure that TikTok has robust mechanisms to identify and prevent the spread of misleading or manipulative political advertising.
ND3: This is not the first time TikTok has been under scrutiny from the EU. What makes this case particularly meaningful?
Dr. Schmidt: This investigation carries significant weight because it directly links alleged foreign interference to the outcome of a democratic election. The annulment of Romania’s presidential election due to Russian interference is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of electoral processes in the digital age.
The EU is sending a strong message that social media platforms must take their responsibility to protect democratic institutions seriously.
ND3: What potential consequences could TikTok face if the investigation finds them in violation of the Digital Services Act?
Dr. Schmidt: TikTok could face ample fines, potentially amounting to billions of euros.
More importantly, the Commission could impose stricter regulations on the platform’s operations in Europe, including requirements for greater openness in its algorithms and stronger content moderation policies.
ND3: How might this investigation impact the broader debate on platform regulation?
Dr. Schmidt: This case adds fuel to the ongoing debate about the power and responsibility of social media platforms in a democratic society.
It underscores the need for comprehensive regulations that ensure platforms are accountable for the content they host and the impact their algorithms have on public discourse.