EU Commission Probes TikTok Following Romanian Election Controversy

Some researchers have raised concerns that fake accounts or paid influencers were possibly used to amplify the online presence of ultranationalist and pro-Russian candidate Călin Georgescu, who made a shocking surge to victory in the first round of Romania’s presidential election on Sunday. Georgescu’s campaign content reportedly achieved significant viewership on TikTok during the closing days of the campaign.

TikTok, however, has consistently stated that it has found no evidence of any covert influence campaigns on its platform.

The European Commission is also seeking clarification on how TikTok provides NGOs and researchers with access to the data needed to assess potential election-related risks. A coalition of Romanian NGOs previously called for increased transparency, outlining their concerns in an open letter.

TikTok has been given a two-week deadline to address the Commission’s inquiries. Notably, that deadline comes after this Sunday’s Romanian parliamentary election and the second round of the presidential election set for December 8.

Earlier this week, Romania’s audiovisual regulator urged the European Commission to investigate TikTok over its handling of electoral processes in the country.

At this stage, the Commission’s questions do not constitute a formal investigation.