In response to growing concerns about the influence of social media platforms on democratic processes, particularly in Romania’s presidential election, the European Commission has escalated its monitoring of TikTok’s compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA). The DSA, which sets out rules for large online platforms to ensure they protect users' rights and mitigate systemic risks to society, is central to the European Union's efforts to safeguard elections from foreign interference, misinformation, and other digital threats.
The latest developments come in the wake of a shocking political rise by Călin Georgescu, an independent far-right candidate in Romania’s recent presidential elections. Georgescu, a pro-Russian nationalist, surprised many by surging from polling at around 1% to leading the first round of voting with almost 23%. Much of this rise has been attributed to an online propaganda campaign, heavily featuring TikTok influencers and artificial amplification through the platform’s algorithm. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the European Commission’s heightened interest in TikTok, the platform’s impact on elections, and the potential legal and social consequences TikTok faces under the DSA.
Understanding the Digital Services Act and Its Relevance
The Digital Services Act, introduced by the European Commission, aims to regulate large online platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Google. These platforms are classified as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) due to their massive reach and influence. The DSA seeks to ensure these platforms operate in a way that protects users' safety, prevents the spread of harmful content, and maintains democratic integrity. VLOPs are expected to adhere to stricter regulations regarding their operations, especially concerning issues such as hate speech, misinformation, and electoral interference.
One of the core aspects of the DSA is that it imposes significant responsibilities on platforms to prevent the abuse of their services for harmful purposes, such as influencing public opinion during election periods. The Romanian presidential election has become a test case for these provisions, prompting the European Commission to ramp up its investigation of TikTok’s practices during this critical time.
The Case of Călin Georgescu and His Rise on TikTok
Călin Georgescu, a little-known candidate at the start of Romania’s election campaign, gained significant traction in the political race due to his unconventional use of social media, particularly TikTok. Known for his far-right, pro-Russian nationalist views, Georgescu’s campaign seemed to have a strong online presence that resonated with a segment of Romanian voters. However, it was not just organic support that helped Georgescu gain ground—it was the sophisticated use of paid influencers and fake accounts to boost his visibility on TikTok.
Concerns arose when it became evident that fake TikTok accounts and influencers were helping Georgescu’s content to go viral, artificially inflating his popularity. This prompted allegations of election manipulation through social media. Critics argue that TikTok’s algorithms played a significant role in amplifying misleading or biased content, raising alarms about the platform’s accountability and its role in democratic processes.
TikTok’s Role in the Romanian Election and the Allegations of Election Interference
The rise of Georgescu’s candidacy is not just a matter of organic political support but also one of manipulation through digital means. As TikTok’s algorithms prioritize content that garners high engagement, it is possible for coordinated campaigns—whether legitimate or not—to drive the platform’s content distribution. In Georgescu’s case, experts have pointed to the presence of paid influencers who were used to create content supporting his campaign and boost its reach, even if the content did not comply with Romania's electoral laws.
The role of fake accounts and algorithmic manipulation is particularly concerning. When coordinated efforts amplify political content, it can mislead voters, distort public opinion, and undermine the fairness of an election. TikTok, as a key player in this dynamic, has come under scrutiny for failing to prevent such abuses. Despite its commitment to fighting misinformation and ensuring the integrity of political content, the platform has faced criticisms of inaction and lack of transparency.
The European Commission's Response: Strengthening Oversight of TikTok
In light of the allegations surrounding the Romanian election, the European Commission has taken a proactive stance in monitoring TikTok’s compliance with the DSA. The European Union has already initiated an ongoing investigation into TikTok’s risk management processes, particularly focusing on its role in child safety and addictive design. However, the scope of this investigation is now expanding to include concerns over election security and democratic integrity.
One of the key actions taken by the European Commission is the issuance of a “retention order” to TikTok. This order mandates the platform to preserve data related to any systemic risks its services could pose to electoral processes and civic discourse in the EU. This includes data related to the Romanian presidential election, as well as future national elections within the EU. TikTok is required to freeze and retain data that could provide evidence of potential violations of the DSA.
The retention order has been issued for the period covering the Romanian election’s first round (November 24) until March 31, 2025, ensuring that TikTok remains under close scrutiny as the second round of the Romanian vote approaches on December 8, 2024. The Commission has made it clear that it is prepared to take further action if it finds evidence of non-compliance with the DSA, which could include hefty fines or other legal consequences.
The Potential Consequences for TikTok Under the DSA
TikTok’s failure to comply with the DSA could result in severe financial penalties, potentially reaching up to 6% of the platform’s global annual turnover. This penalty would be a significant financial burden for the platform, especially considering its massive user base in Europe. Moreover, the repercussions for TikTok extend beyond monetary fines. If the platform is found to be complicit in election interference or failure to mitigate risks related to electoral processes, it could face a range of additional measures, including increased regulation and mandatory changes to its operational practices.
The scrutiny TikTok faces from the EU is also reflective of the broader concerns around the role of social media platforms in influencing elections globally. The Romanian election is merely the latest example of how social media platforms are being used for political gain, and it raises critical questions about the power of these platforms in shaping democratic outcomes. The EU is determined to hold platforms like TikTok accountable for the ways in which their algorithms can be manipulated to distort political narratives and interfere with electoral processes.
TikTok’s Response and the Importance of Accountability
In response to the allegations and the European Commission’s retention order, TikTok has emphasized its commitment to transparency, user safety, and compliance with local regulations. The platform has stated that it is working closely with regulators and independent experts to address concerns regarding electoral interference and the spread of misinformation. TikTok has also pointed out that it has implemented a range of measures to combat fake accounts, bots, and coordinated influence campaigns, including partnerships with fact-checkers and the introduction of stricter content moderation policies.
However, the effectiveness of these measures remains a point of contention. Critics argue that TikTok has not done enough to prevent the amplification of harmful or misleading content, especially during sensitive political periods such as elections. Given the rapid pace at which misinformation spreads on social media, it is clear that platforms like TikTok must do more to ensure their algorithms prioritize legitimate, fact-checked content over partisan or manipulative messaging.
Broader Implications for Social Media and Election Security
The concerns surrounding TikTok and the Romanian presidential election are part of a much larger conversation about the role of social media in modern democracies. As social media platforms continue to grow in influence, the challenge of regulating their impact on elections has become a priority for governments and international bodies worldwide. The European Commission’s response to TikTok serves as a model for how democratic governments can hold platforms accountable for their role in shaping public discourse.
The issue of electoral interference via social media is not unique to Romania. Similar concerns have arisen in other parts of the world, including the United States, India, and Brazil, where social media platforms have been accused of amplifying political messages that undermine democratic processes. These challenges highlight the need for global cooperation and stronger regulatory frameworks to ensure that the digital age does not erode the foundations of free and fair elections.
Conclusion: A Critical Moment for TikTok and the Digital World
As the European Commission ramps up its scrutiny of TikTok in response to the Romanian election, it underscores the growing importance of holding social media platforms accountable for their role in democratic processes. The platform’s failure to prevent the abuse of its algorithms and the spread of election-related misinformation is a matter of serious concern, not only for Romania but for the broader European Union and the world.
The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for TikTok’s future in Europe and beyond. With significant financial penalties at stake and the threat of stricter regulations looming, TikTok must take decisive action to improve its content moderation practices and prevent further manipulation of its platform. At the same time, the case serves as a reminder of the broader challenges facing social media platforms in maintaining the integrity of democratic elections in the digital age.
The European Commission’s response to the Romanian election will likely set a precedent for how other countries and regions address the growing influence of social media on politics. For now, TikTok is on watch, and its ability to demonstrate compliance with the Digital Services Act will be a critical test of its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of democratic processes in an increasingly digital world.
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