The Romanian authorities have formally requested the European Commission to investigate TikTok’s role in the country’s recent presidential elections. Acknowledging the significant impact of social media on political landscapes, data protection professionals are examining how platforms like TikTok abide by regulations under the Digital Services Act (DSA).
Key Developments:
– EU Involvement: Romania’s National Audiovisual Council has urged the EU Commission to assess TikTok’s involvement in the elections. The Commission is actively monitoring the situation alongside the Romanian Digital Services Coordinator.
– Advertising Regulations: Despite TikTok’s reported prohibition of political ads, 88 advertisements were removed in Romania for policy violations during the elections. These ads generated over three million impressions, indicating substantial public interaction.
– Transparency and Compliance Under DSA: The DSA, enforced since August 2023, mandates that large online platforms ensure ad transparency and mitigate risks surrounding elections. TikTok, alongside other social media giants, is accountable under these regulations.
– Community Guidelines and Misconduct: A report from the Bulgarian-Romanian Observatory highlighted that political entities may bypass TikTok’s monetization restrictions. However, TikTok insists on a strict no-tolerance policy towards election misinformation, actively collaborating with Romania’s Electoral Commission.
Social Media’s Emergence in Politics: The shift towards platforms like TikTok reflects broader trends where disenfranchised voters turn to social media for political engagement. During the Romanian elections, TikTok emerged as a platform attracting these voters, largely due to independent candidate Calin Georgescu’s successful campaigning antics.
Implications for Data Protection Experts: With social media solidifying its influence in democratic processes, professionals must navigate the implications of platform policies, data privacy, and electoral integrity. Ensuring lawful use of user data and upholding privacy standards remains a vital concern as new digital dynamics evolve.
For regular updates on this investigation, visit the original source link at [Euronews](https://www.euronews.com/next/2024/11/27/romanian-authorities-ask-eu-commission-to-investigate-tiktok-role-in-election)..