European Commission launches investigation against TikTok over suspicions of manipulation during the Romanian elections

The European Commission has launched a formal investigation against the TikTok platform over possible violations of the law on digital services during the presidential election in Romania, according to a statement by the European Commission, UNN reports. 

Today, the European Commission opened formal proceedings against TikTok on suspicion of infringing the Digital Services Act (DSA) with regard to TikTok's obligation to properly assess and mitigate systemic risks related to the integrity of elections, in particular in the context of the recent presidential elections in Romania on November 24

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pointed out that the EU must defend itself against any foreign interference. “Following serious indications that foreign actors interfered in the Romanian presidential election through TikTok, we are now thoroughly investigating whether TikTok violated the Digital Services Act by failing to address such risks. It should be absolutely clear that all online platforms, including TikTok, must be held accountable in the EU,” von der Leyen emphasized. 

Reportedly, they will check: 

- TikTok's recommendation systems, in particular, the risks associated with coordinated unauthentic manipulations or automated operation of the service.

-TikTok's policy on political advertising and paid political content.

Recall

The Romanian CNA asked the European Commission to investigate TikTok over suspicions of manipulation in the presidential election. The platform is accused of promoting pro-Russian candidate Calin Georgescu through fake accounts.

The Constitutional Court of Romania has decided to annul the results of the first round of the presidential election, which means a complete restart of the electoral process.