EU Commission demands TikTok to safeguard data during elections

In response to ongoing concerns about electoral interference, particularly from foreign entities, the European Commission made significant moves regarding TikTok's operations in relation to the Romanian election. The Commission, taking advantage of its regulatory powers under the Digital Services Act, issued a retention order mandating TikTok to freeze and preserve all relevant data. This order pertains to TikTok's conduct during the Romanian presidential elections, which were on November 24 and will include future elections in the EU until March 31, 2025. The preservation of information covers numerous aspects of the service, focusing primarily on internal documents and data that outline how TikTok’s recommendation systems function, ensuring that no False information can mislead voters or impact the democratic process. Furthermore, the preservation order serves both as a preventive measure against possible election manipulation and a safeguard for any potential future investigations the Commission might undertake regarding TikTok's compliance with the Digital Services Act. The context for the urgency of this order includes recently declassified reports from Romanian intelligence agencies, which asserted that there were indications of Russian interference aimed at swaying the election in favor of a particular candidate. Specifically, the documents indicated that a vast array of social media accounts, particularly on platforms like TikTok, had been created to promote this candidate's content aggressively. This situation underscores a critical moment for the EU as it strives to maintain the integrity of its electoral processes while simultaneously addressing the challenges posed by the rapid spread of misinformation and the increasing influence of social media platforms on civic discourse. As the election approached, the Commission ramped up its surveillance efforts, indicating a growing concern over the integrity of elections not only in Romania but across the entire EU. These actions reflect deeper social and political dynamics at play, highlighting how social media platforms can become tools for manipulation in electoral processes. In conclusion, the actions of the European Commission are pivotal at this junction, as they work to protect democratic values against the backdrop of technological advancements that present both opportunities and dangers to electoral integrity.