The basis for the investigation is declassified reports from the Romanian intelligence services, data from third parties and an analysis of TikTok’s risk assessment reports for 2023-2024.
The European Commission on December 17 announced formal proceedings against TikTok for possible violations of the Digital Services Act (DSA). The investigation concerns the assessment of the risks associated with the interference in the electoral processes against the background of the recent situation with the annulment of the results of the first round of the presidential election in Romania. This was reported by the press service of the European Commission on Tuesday, December 17.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said there were strong signs of foreign influence through TikTok during the November 24 vote.
“We must protect democracy from outside interference. If there is suspicion, we will act quickly and decisively. All platforms must be held accountable, including TikTok,” she stressed.
The commission will examine whether TikTok has adequately assessed and mitigated the risks associated with regional and linguistic differences in national elections. The basis for the investigation is declassified reports from the Romanian intelligence services, data from third parties and an analysis of TikTok’s risk assessment reports for 2023-2024.
The European Commission will collect evidence, including additional requests for information, monitoring, interviews and evaluation of TikTok’s algorithms. If violations are detected, the platform may be subject to enforcement action or obligations to correct the problems.
The duration of the investigation is not limited by clear deadlines and will depend on the complexity of the case and the level of cooperation between TikTok and the European Commission.
Let’s recall that in Romania, the pro-Russian far-right politician Calin Georgescu won the presidential election in the first round.
The Romanian Constitutional Court annulled the results of the first round of presidential elections. The reason for the cancellation of the results is the intervention of the Russian Federation and cyber attacks. Now the country must call new elections.
Source: korrespondent
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