The European Union has taken action in response to intelligence files from Romania suggesting that TikTok may have been used to coordinate influencers in a campaign to promote a surprise front-runner in the nation's presidential election. The EU has sent an urgent request to TikTok for more information on the matter.
According to declassified files, a pro-Russia campaign allegedly utilized the messaging app Telegram to recruit thousands of TikTok users to support the candidate, Calin Georgescu. It remains unclear whether Georgescu was aware of or involved in the alleged campaign.
The European Commission is utilizing its digital rulebook to investigate TikTok's role in the election, especially after the country's top court annulled results from the first round of voting, leading to a re-vote. This marks the second time the EU has requested information from TikTok since the initial voting round on Nov. 24.
EU officials have called on TikTok to provide details on the actions it is taking in response to the allegations. The platform has been ordered to retain all election-related files and evidence. TikTok has been given 24 hours to respond to the EU's request.
The EU is concerned about potential foreign online influence operations targeting Romanian elections, particularly on TikTok. The commission's executive vice-president emphasized the need for TikTok to review its content moderation and amplification policies and comply with the bloc's Digital Services Act.
The unexpected rise of Georgescu in the polls has raised alarms, prompting authorities to release intelligence files detailing an alleged campaign to boost his popularity. The files suggest that significant sums were paid to influencers on TikTok to promote content supporting Georgescu.
As Romania prepares for a re-vote, the EU is closely monitoring the situation and urging TikTok to take immediate action to address concerns of potential election interference.
