TikTok, the immensely popular video-sharing platform, recently found itself under intense scrutiny during its presentation to European Union lawmakers about its role during the Romanian elections. Executives from the company took the hot seat amid allegations of electoral manipulation and accusations of disinformation campaigns stemming from its platform.
The discussion unfolded on December 3, 2024, at the European Parliament's Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection. Lawmakers expressed concerns over TikTok’s compliance with the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), which became fully operational earlier this year. This legislation imposes strict regulations on digital service providers, compelling them to combat illegal content and misinformation. The platform’s executives, including Brie Pegum, TikTok’s Global Head of Product for Authenticity and Transparency, defended their strategies and efforts to maintain election integrity.
During the questioning, Pegum revealed startling statistics: TikTok had dismantled networks of fake accounts and posts targeting the Romanian electorate. Between September and the date of the hearing, the company removed over 66,000 fraudulent accounts along with 260,000 spam posts. "We are constantly striving to prevent disinformation and assure as authentic behavior as possible," Pegum emphasized. Nonetheless, lawmakers were far from satisfied with these measures, indicating they felt TikTok’s actions were akin to fighting fires after they had already spread.
What emerged was not just a technical discussion about algorithms and misinformation, but also the very real consequences of digital platforms wielding such significant influence over political processes. Notably, the Romanian elections had framed TikTok as not just another social media platform but as a powerful tool used by candidates seeking to connect with voters. The frontrunner, far-right candidate Călin Georgescu, reportedly gained momentum through his TikTok presence, garnering millions of views and likes, which raised questions about the legitimacy of his support.
Critics have suggested his rapid rise was not merely organic; many managed to pinpoint discrepancies hinting at artificially inflated followings. TikTok was accused of favoring Georgescu through its recommendation algorithm, prompting lawmakers to question whether the company had sufficiently addressed these irregularities.
Caroline Greer, TikTok’s Public Policy Director, attempted to assuage fears by explaining the platform’s direct engagements with Romanian electoral authorities and political parties. TikTok reportedly hosted delegations from the Romanian government and engaged with the Electoral Authority leading up to the elections. These meetings aimed to clarify content moderation practices and regulatory compliance.
Yet skepticism remained. Many lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction during the session. Dutch MEP Dirk Gotink articulated this sentiment bluntly, indicating, "The feeling here is we are losing patience. We need more specific answers." He noted the irony of TikTok’s lavish public relations efforts contrasted with the serious accusations against it.
This push for strict accountability stems from the broader concerns surrounding misinformation and foreign interference within EU elections. Just days after the Romanian elections began, the narrative swirled with discussions of potential Russian meddling. Georgescu’s victory was interpreted by observers both as indicative of domestic populist movements and as suspiciously aligned with interests beyond Romania's borders.
Echoing this skepticism was Anna Cavazzini, the Green party MEP who chairs the internal market committee. Closing the session, she remarked on the evident dissatisfaction with TikTok's responses, leaving the door open for future inquiries, signaling to executives perhaps harsher responses could be on the horizon.
TikTok’s involvement has highlighted the potent intersection of social media and politics, particularly how viral content can propel candidates from obscurity to notoriety. The platform's unique format allows for rapid dissemination of ideas, opinions, and campaign messages, which can easily reach large audiences but can also misinform.
On the topic of the upcoming runoff election, Georgescu is set to face off against the reformist candidate Elena Lasconi from the progressive Save Romania Union. With the stakes so high, both candidates are likely gearing up their social media strategies to sway voters leading up to December 8.
Given the contentious backdrop of the Romanian elections and the growing scrutiny of social media platforms, TikTok's response and future actions will be pivotal not only for its reputation but also for the integrity of electoral processes within the EU. This dynamic has garnered attention beyond Romania, amplifying discussions about regulations on digital platforms and raising questions on how to effectively combat misinformation without infringing on free expression.
The outcome of this political battle may very well influence not only the future of Romanian governance but also the framework by which social media platforms are monitored and regulated across Europe and globally. With feelings running high and stakes even higher, the ramifications of these decisions will echo far beyond the borders of Romania.
