EU Investigates TikTok for Election Integrity Risks
Brussels, Wednesday, 1 January 2025.
The European Commission is investigating TikTok’s compliance with the Digital Services Act due to concerns over election risks, notably during Romania’s recent presidential elections.
Investigation Scope and Concerns
The European Commission has launched formal proceedings against TikTok, focusing on potential breaches of the Digital Services Act (DSA) specifically related to election integrity [1]. The investigation centers on two key areas: TikTok’s recommender systems and their vulnerability to coordinated manipulation, along with the platform’s policies regarding political advertisements and paid political content [1]. This probe comes in direct response to concerns about foreign interference during the Romanian presidential elections held on November 24, 2024 [1].
European Commission’s Stance
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has emphasized the urgency of protecting democratic processes from foreign interference. As quoted by von der Leyen: ‘Following serious indications that foreign actors interfered in the Romanian presidential elections by using TikTok, we are now thoroughly investigating whether TikTok has violated the Digital Services Act’ [1][3]. The investigation will particularly examine whether TikTok has adequately addressed risks related to specific regional and linguistic aspects of national elections [1].
Digital Services Act Compliance
The Digital Services Act represents a cornerstone of EU’s digital regulation framework, designed to ensure online platforms maintain transparency and accountability [1]. This investigation marks a significant step in the EU’s enforcement of digital regulations, demonstrating the bloc’s commitment to maintaining election integrity in the digital age [2]. The investigation’s timing is particularly crucial as it coincides with a period of increased scrutiny of social media platforms’ role in democratic processes [GPT].
Implications and Next Steps
This investigation represents one of the first major tests of the DSA’s effectiveness in protecting electoral processes [GPT]. The Commission’s focus on TikTok’s recommender systems and political content policies could set important precedents for how social media platforms operate during election periods [1]. The outcome of this investigation could potentially influence future regulatory approaches to social media platforms’ roles in democratic processes across the EU [GPT].