EU Launches Investigation into TikTok Amid Concerns of Election Interference

The European Commission has launched an investigation into TikTok over alleged failures to prevent election interference during the Romanian presidential vote. The inquiry will examine TikTok’s policies on political content and its recommendations systems. TikTok has emphasized its efforts to maintain electoral integrity and has been directed to safeguard election-related data. This is the third investigation concerning TikTok under the EU’s Digital Services Act.

On Tuesday, the European Commission initiated formal proceedings against TikTok for allegedly failing to curb election interference, particularly concerning the Romanian presidential election held last month. The investigation will scrutinize TikTok’s policies on political advertisements, paid content, and the platform’s recommendation systems for potential manipulation risks. This formal inquiry grants the Commission the authority to enforce regulations and accept TikTok’s commitments, although no timeline has been specified for concluding the investigation.

TikTok, owned by China-based Bytedance, asserts its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of its platform and claims to have successfully navigated over 150 elections globally. The company emphasized its stance against paid political ads and stated its proactive removal of content that falls under misinformation and hate speech. Furthermore, on December 5, the Commission mandated TikTok to secure data related to the Romanian elections, aligning with the Digital Services Act (DSA).

The context of this investigation arises from the annulment of Romania’s presidential election due to allegations of Russian interference, which resulted in the victory of pro-Russia candidate Calin Georgescu during the first round. The European Commission remains vigilant about potential foreign meddling in future elections, particularly with the German parliamentary elections looming in February and the Croatian presidential elections commencing on December 29. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the importance of protecting democratic processes from foreign influences, 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 action marks the third investigation launched by the Commission under the DSA that involves TikTok, with earlier inquiries focused on risks concerning underage users. One of those investigations concluded when TikTok agreed to withdraw the TikTok Lite Rewards program from the EU to mitigate those risks.

The European Commission acts as the executive branch of the European Union, ensuring that member states adhere to laws and policies designed to promote democracy and safeguard against foreign interference. With the rise of social media, concerns have escalated regarding the impact of these platforms on electoral integrity. The Digital Services Act aims to regulate the operations of significant tech companies in Europe, providing measures to combat misinformation and foreign influence in political processes, particularly during elections.

In conclusion, the formal investigation into TikTok by the European Commission underscores the pressing need to maintain electoral integrity in the face of foreign meddling. As the platform claims to uphold democratic values and protect users from misinformation, this inquiry will assess whether its practices align with EU standards, particularly in critical election periods. The Commission’s efforts reflect a broader commitment to safeguarding democratic processes across the continent.

Original Source: www.dailysabah.com