EU probes TikTok over alleged Russian interference in Romanian elections

Dec 18, 2024 - The European Union has launched an investigation into TikTok, following allegations that Russia used the platform to influence Romania’s presidential election. The inquiry focuses on whether TikTok violated EU laws aimed at protecting election integrity.

In the first round of voting on November 24, Călin Georgescu, an independent candidate, achieved an unexpected 23% of the vote. Georgescu was set to face pro-European candidate Elena Lasconi in the December 8 runoff, but the results were annulled after Romania’s National Security Council released classified documents suggesting Russian involvement in the election.

The European Commission confirmed on December 17 that it was examining TikTok for failing to address risks associated with foreign interference. “We are investigating whether TikTok has violated the Digital Services Act by not taking action to prevent interference in the Romanian elections,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The investigation will include requests for access to TikTok’s data and algorithms, as well as other evidence to assess the platform’s role in the alleged interference.

On December 5, the EU ordered TikTok to freeze and retain data related to national elections within the bloc from November 24 through March 2025. TikTok is now required to comply with the EU’s request for information under the Digital Services Act.

The EU’s actions follow a statement from a group of U.S. senators condemning Russia’s interference. Senators Pete Ricketts, Ben Cardin, Jim Risch, and Jeanne Shaheen criticized Russian efforts to use TikTok to undermine Romania’s election process, calling it part of a broader campaign of hybrid warfare.

"Romania must be allowed to conduct free and fair elections, and we condemn efforts to manipulate the outcome through TikTok, controlled by the Chinese Communist Party," the senators said in a statement.

As the EU investigation progresses, TikTok faces mounting pressure to prevent its platform from being used for foreign interference in democratic processes.