TikTok Faces Scrutiny Over Alleged Influence in Romanian Election

Romanian authorities and the EU investigate claims of TikTok’s role in boosting a far-right candidate’s unexpected success in the presidential race.

• Far-right candidate Călin Georgescu’s surprise win in Romania’s first presidential election round has raised concerns over potential manipulation via TikTok’s algorithm.
• Romania’s Supreme Council of Defense and Constitutional Court have flagged irregularities, including TikTok’s failure to categorize Georgescu as an electoral candidate, which increased his visibility.
• Authorities are investigating claims of coordinated fake accounts and undisclosed payments to influencers that may have boosted Georgescu’s campaign on the platform.
• The European Commission is reviewing TikTok’s compliance with the Digital Services Act, which mandates platforms combat election interference and disinformation.
• A nationwide recount of over 9.4 million ballots has been ordered, marking the first such recount in Romania’s post-communist history, as protests against Georgescu’s candidacy continue.

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