The European Commission has launched an investigation into TikTok for suspected election interference related to the Romanian presidential election. The commission seeks to examine TikTok’s political advertising policies and reserves the right to take further action. TikTok asserts it has safeguarded election integrity globally and claims it prohibits paid political ads. This inquiry also reflects concerns over foreign interference in upcoming elections in Germany and Croatia.
On Tuesday, the European Commission officially initiated proceedings against TikTok, the Chinese-owned social media platform, amidst allegations of potential election interference pertaining to the recent Romanian presidential election. The commission aims to investigate TikTok’s policies regarding political advertisements, its systems for generating content recommendations, and any risks associated with potential manipulations of these systems. The formal investigation enables the commission to take further regulatory action if necessary.
In response, TikTok has asserted its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of its platform, claiming it has successfully overseen more than 150 elections globally. The company emphasized that it does not allow paid political advertisements and actively removes content that violates its policies related to misinformation and hate speech. Furthermore, TikTok was instructed by the commission on December 5 to freeze data linked to the Romanian electoral process as per the stipulations of the Digital Services Act (DSA), which governs the operations of major social media platforms within Europe.
Recent developments surrounding the Romanian elections underscore the urgency of this investigation, particularly a ruling from Romania’s top court that annulled the presidential election results following allegations of foreign interference, specifically from Russian entities. The commission remains vigilant, especially as Germany prepares for parliamentary elections in February and Croatia’s presidential election commences on December 29.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen articulated the commission’s intent, stating, “We must protect our democracies from any kind of foreign interference. Whenever we suspect such interference, especially during elections, we have to act swiftly and firmly.” This marks the third investigation conducted by the commission against TikTok under the DSA, with prior inquiries focused on risks pertaining to minors. One previous investigation has now concluded following TikTok’s commitment to cease offering TikTok Lite Rewards within the European Union.
The European Commission’s investigation into TikTok arises from concerns regarding the platform’s role in potential election interference, particularly in light of recent events in Romania. Election integrity is paramount, especially with increasing reports of foreign meddling in democratic processes. The Digital Services Act (DSA) mandates strict regulations on social media platforms, forcing companies like TikTok to be transparent about their advertising practices and to maintain a safe environment for users. As political landscapes shift and foreign influence becomes more pronounced, regulatory bodies are focusing on enhancing their oversight of social media operations.
The initiation of formal proceedings against TikTok by the European Commission highlights the significant concerns regarding foreign interference in elections through social media platforms. With ongoing scrutiny focused on TikTok’s policies and practices related to political content, the investigation reflects a broader commitment to safeguard democratic elections in Europe. This situation emphasizes the importance of accountability for social media companies in maintaining the integrity of political processes and protecting citizens from potential manipulation.
Original Source: www.dailysabah.com
