EU Probes TikTok Under DSA Over Alleged Russian Interference in Romania's Annulled Election

Dec 17, 2024, 11:08 AM

The European Commission has launched a formal investigation into TikTok over its alleged role in interfering with Romania's presidential election, which was annulled by the country's Constitutional Court last week. Independent candidate Călin Georgescu's unexpected victory in the first round led to allegations of an orchestrated TikTok campaign influenced by foreign actors, including Russia. The Commission's proceedings under the Digital Services Act—the first such investigation into TikTok under this regulation—focus on the platform's suspected failure to assess and mitigate systemic risks linked to election integrity, particularly the spread of disinformation and manipulation of recommender systems. Allegations include that influencers did not disclose they were paid to promote the candidate, and that the platform was open to manipulation. Declassified intelligence suggested the election results were compromised by a "state actor." The decision to annul the election has divided citizens, with some believing the court has saved democracy, while others fear it has been subverted. TikTok influencers are reportedly fleeing Romania amid a tax probe into their role in the election. The Commission had previously ordered TikTok to retain data related to the election. This case serves as a significant test for the EU's new social media regulation rules aimed at combating foreign interference and ensuring fair democratic processes.