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2024-12-18
The recent Romanian presidential election has sparked a critical question: Did foreign actors use TikTok to manipulate the results? The European Commission has launched a full-fledged investigation into whether the popular social media platform violated the Digital Services Act (DSA) by failing to prevent potential foreign interference.
Sudden Surge in Accounts Raises Red Flags
The investigation stems from a surge in newly activated TikTok accounts just before the first round of voting. Declassified intelligence reports suggest tens of thousands of accounts suddenly appeared, potentially influencing public opinion in favor of Calin Georgescu, a pro-Putin candidate whose unexpected lead ultimately led to the cancellation of the second round.
Commission Aims to Uphold Democratic Integrity
Ursula von der Leusd, President of the European Commission, emphasized the importance of safeguarding European democracies from foreign interference. She stressed the need for swift action and accountability, particularly during elections.
“We must protect our democracies from any kind of foreign interference,” said von der Leusd. “Whenever we suspect such interference, especially during elections, we have to act swiftly and firmly… It should be crystal clear that in the EU, all online platforms, including TikTok, must be held accountable.”
Focus of the Investigation
The investigation will delve into two key areas:
Transparency of Political Content: Did TikTok adequately label content promoting certain candidates as “election content” in accordance with local laws?
Mitigating Manipulation Risk: Did the platform take sufficient measures to prevent individuals from using the recommender system to sway public opinion before the election?
Potential Consequences for TikTok
If found in violation of Articles 34(1), 34(2), and 35(1) of the DSA, TikTok could face a significant fine. The DSA empowers regulators to impose fines of up to 6% of a company’s global annual turnover. This wouldn’t be the first time TikTok faces hefty fines; it has already been penalized for various infringements in the UK and US. Notably, the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) fined TikTok €345 million last year for breaching GDPR regulations regarding children’s data.
What Undercode Says:
This investigation marks a significant step towards ensuring social media platforms are held responsible for fostering a healthy online environment during elections. The potential for foreign interference on platforms like TikTok is concerning, and the EU’s swift action sets a precedent for other regions.
Here are some additional points to consider:
Impact on Freedom of Expression: The investigation needs to ensure a balance is struck between preventing foreign manipulation and upholding freedom of expression.
Transparency in Algorithmic Decisions: Investigating the manipulation of recommender systems shines a light on the need for greater transparency in how these algorithms operate.
Global Cooperation: Addressing foreign interference requires international collaboration among governments and social media platforms.
The outcome of this investigation can have a far-reaching impact on the future of online political discourse. It’s crucial to find effective solutions that safeguard democratic processes without unduly restricting free speech.
References:
Reported By: Infosecurity-magazine.com
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