European Commission Issues Retention Order to TikTok Over Electoral Integrity Concerns in Romania

Fighting Electoral Manipulation: How the EU is Addressing TikTok’s Role in Romanian Elections

The European Commission has taken a significant step to safeguard the integrity of EU electoral processes by issuing a "retention order" to TikTok under the Digital Services Act (DSA).

This directive mandates TikTok to preserve key data related to its systems and activities in response to potential risks of foreign interference and manipulation targeting the Romanian elections. The order spans a critical period, covering EU elections from 24 November 2024 to 31 March 2025.

Retention Order: Safeguarding Data Under the DSA

The Digital Services Act, a landmark legislative framework, aims to create a safer and more transparent digital space within the EU. The retention order issued to TikTok reflects the Commission's proactive measures to ensure compliance with these rules in light of growing concerns about disinformation and inauthentic behaviour in the digital ecosystem.

TikTok, a prominent social media platform with vast reach among young voters, has been identified as a key platform requiring vigilance. The order compels the platform to maintain records of efforts taken to address the spread of false information, identify inauthentic accounts, and mitigate risks to the democratic process.

The directive comes amidst rising apprehensions about foreign interference in the Romanian electoral process, with evidence suggesting coordinated campaigns targeting the Romanian diaspora across the EU. These campaigns aim to manipulate voter sentiment and distort civic discourse.

European Cooperation to Tackle Disinformation

The Commission is collaborating closely with the European Board for Digital Services Coordinators to address these challenges. In a pivotal meeting held on 6 December 2024, stakeholders convened to evaluate evidence of targeted online disinformation campaigns.

The findings highlighted coordinated efforts aimed at undermining public trust and influencing electoral outcomes in Romania.

These campaigns have also drawn the attention of the EU's Cyber Crisis Task Force, which brings together representatives from the European External Action Service (EEAS), Europol, and the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA). Romanian cybersecurity authorities have been deeply involved, underscoring the critical need for cross-border cooperation in addressing the evolving threat landscape.

Rapid Response System Activated

To bolster real-time collaboration and mitigation efforts, the EU has activated its Rapid Response System (RRS). This mechanism is designed to enhance communication between civil society organisations, fact-checking entities, and online platforms during periods of heightened electoral activity.

By sharing information and coordinating responses swiftly, the RRS aims to counter disinformation campaigns and limit their impact on public opinion.

A crucial component of these efforts is the involvement of the Romanian-Bulgarian hub of the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO). This hub has been instrumental in detecting disinformation tactics employed in the Romanian online space.

Techniques such as fake news amplification, deepfakes, and coordinated bot activity have been flagged as key tools used by malicious actors. EDMO’s findings underline the importance of digital literacy initiatives and robust fact-checking mechanisms to counter these threats effectively.

Implications for the Digital Services Act

The European Commission’s actions in Romania offer a glimpse into how the DSA is being operationalised to tackle contemporary challenges in the digital age.

The legislation grants regulators the authority to demand transparency and accountability from platforms, particularly during sensitive periods such as elections. By holding platforms like TikTok accountable, the EU is setting a precedent for combating disinformation and foreign interference.

The retention order is also a reminder to digital platforms of their responsibilities in maintaining the integrity of public discourse. As EU elections approach, ensuring that platforms are transparent about their moderation policies and actions against inauthentic behaviour is vital to safeguarding democratic values.