TikTok, under the European Commission's magnifying glass: Major risks for the platform following the elections in Romania
The European Commission has opened an official investigation into the TikTok platform, following suspicions regarding the influencing of the electoral process in Romania. European authorities are analyzing how the social network managed political content and the risks associated with information manipulation during the 2024 presidential elections.
The investigation focuses on compliance with the rules imposed by the Digital Services Act (DSA). The Commission wants to determine whether the platform took sufficient measures to prevent the spread of disinformation and content that could have affected the integrity of the electoral process. European officials are concerned about the impact of recommendation algorithms on public opinion.
If it is proven that TikTok has not complied with European rules, the company risks severe financial sanctions. Fines can reach up to 6% of the platform's global turnover, a considerable sum that could mark a major shift in how social networks manage electoral campaigns.
TikTok representatives stated that they will cooperate with the authorities to clarify the situation. They maintain that they are making constant efforts to ensure a safe environment for users and to limit the spread of harmful content or fake news.
This case represents an important moment for digital democracy in Romania and across the entire European Union. The outcome of the investigation will set a precedent for how major online platforms must act during electoral periods, placing safety and transparency first.