According to the Romanian authorities, ”TikTok” has been interfered wiht by Russia and had a preferential treatment towards the pro-Russian candidate Kelina Giorgiescu.
without commenting on possible violations of the platform’s rules, the EC requires TikTok to “freeze and retain data related to actual or anticipated systemic risks that its service coudl pose to electoral processes and civil discourse in the European Union (EU),” the statement said.
The Commission acts as the EU’s digital supervisory authority under the Digital Services Regulation (DSA), which came into full force on 17 February.
TikTok must also retain internal documents and information about the development and operation of its suggestion systems, the EC said.
In Romania, the second round of presidential elections will be held on Sunday, in which the right-wing populist Giorgiescu and the liberal Elena Lasconi will compete.
In the first round on November 24, Giorgiescu won 22.94% of the votes, causing a political earthquake in the country. Meanwhile, Lasconi, candidate of the liberal-conservative Union for the Rescue of romania (USR), won 19.18% of the vote.
– What steps are being taken too regulate misinformation on social media platforms during elections?
Interview: The Intersection of politics adn Social Media – A Discussion on TikTok and Electoral Integrity
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today. To start off, coudl you briefly explain the recent concerns raised by Romanian authorities regarding TikTok and its influence in the upcoming presidential elections in Romania?
Expert: absolutely, and thank you for having me. Romanian authorities have highlighted meaningful concerns about TikTok’s alleged interference, especially pointing to the platform’s preferential treatment of pro-Russian candidate Kelina giorgiescu.This situation raises crucial questions about how social media platforms can impact electoral processes, especially in a politically charged surroundings.
Time.news Editor: The European Commission (EC) has mandated that TikTok retain data related to systemic risks associated with its service. What are the implications of this requirement for both TikTok and other social media platforms?
Expert: This is a vital step towards accountability. The EC’s request for TikTok to freeze and retain relevant data aligns with the Digital Services Regulation (DSA), which aims to mitigate risks to civil discourse in the EU. This regulation empowers the EC as a digital supervisory authority, ensuring that platforms are more transparent about their algorithms, especially those that could unduly influence elections. Other platforms should take note of this precedent; it signifies that they may soon face similar scrutiny.
Time.news editor: The upcoming runoff between Giorgiescu and liberal candidate Elena lasconi highlights the political stakes involved. How do you see TikTok’s influence playing out in this election?
Expert: TikTok’s influence could be quite significant, especially given its growing user base among younger voters. Its algorithm, which favors engaging content, can amplify messages quickly—whether they are factual or misleading. With Giorgiescu’s controversial rise to prominence after garnering over 22% of the vote in the first round, the potential for further polarization through targeted content becomes a real concern. It’s essential for voters to critically assess details they encounter on social media platforms.
Time.news Editor: Considering these developments, what practical advice can you offer to voters regarding their social media consumption, particularly on TikTok?
Expert: Voters should approach content on tiktok with a critical mindset. Here are a few pieces of advice:
- Verify Sources: always check the credibility of the information before accepting it as truth. Look for multiple reputable sources.
- Be Wary of Algorithms: Understand that social media algorithms prioritize content that is engaging, which doesn’t always equate to factual accuracy.
- Engage in Discussions: Encourage conversations about political issues in your community, offline and online. Broader discussions can help clarify misinformation.
- Report Misinformation: If you come across misleading content,utilize reporting tools on TikTok to flag it for review.
Time.news Editor: As we wrap up, can you share your thoughts on the future of social media regulation and how it might evolve?
Expert: Certainly.The trend suggests an increasing push for regulatory frameworks that promote clarity and accountability among social media companies. In the coming years, we can expect more rigorous requirements for data retention and dual accountability—both for the platforms and the content creators using them.The goal will be to foster an online environment that encourages free expression while safeguarding democratic processes, particularly during elections.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for the insights and valuable advice. It’s crucial for readers to stay informed in these rapidly evolving times.
Expert: Thank you for having me! Staying informed and critically evaluating content will be essential as we navigate these challenging issues.