The European Union demands TikTok's response to Romanian files suggesting Moscow's role in vote
The IndependentSign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The European Union said Friday it sent TikTok an urgent request for more information about Romanian intelligence files suggesting that Moscow coordinated influencers on its platform to promote an election candidate who became the front-runner in the presidential election. The 27-nation bloc’s executive branch is using its sweeping digital rulebook to scrutinize the video sharing platform's role in the election, which ended with the far-right populist Calin Georgescu coming from out of nowhere to take top spot in the first round of voting. Declassified files released by Romanian authorities earlier this week suggest that a pro-Russia campaign used the messaging app Telegram to recruit thousands of TikTok users to promote Georgescu. “We are concerned about mounting indications of coordinated foreign online influence operation targeting ongoing Romanian elections, especially on TikTok,” Henna Virkkunen, the commission’s executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, security and democracy, said in a post on X. TikTok has 24 hours to respond to the EU request, officials told a press briefing in Brussels.
History of this topic
TikTok being investigated after suspected meddling in Romania's presidential election
The IndependentEU investigates TikTok over Romanian presidential election safeguards
Associated Press
EU opens probe into TikTok over suspected Romania election interference
CNN)
Romanian TikTok influencers flee amid probe into election interference
FirstpostRomanian prosecutors conduct raids linked to funding of Georgescu’s campaign
Associated Press)
Romanian court annuls presidential election amid allegations of Russian online campaign
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Associated PressEuropean Union orders TikTok to preserve data related to Romanian election
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Associated Press
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