TikTok executives have revealed that the platform dismantled multiple networks attempting to interfere in Romania's elections. The disclosure came as company officials defended their election integrity measures before European Union lawmakers on Tuesday.
The popular video-sharing app has faced scrutiny in Romania after far-right candidate Calin Georgescu, previously an obscure independent, unexpectedly emerged as the frontrunner in the election. His victory in the first round of voting has triggered political unrest, with allegations of electoral violations and Russian influence, reports UNB.
Brie Pegum, TikTok’s global head of product, authenticity, and transparency, stated that the platform disrupted two networks targeting Romanian users just days after the first round of voting. One network, with 1,781 followers, supported Georgescu, while the other backed various candidates. Georgescu’s TikTok presence, boasting 527,000 followers and 5.8 million likes, has been a focal point of his campaign. Critics allege that his online popularity may have been artificially enhanced, with some officials suggesting TikTok provided him preferential treatment.
This controversy underscores TikTok's growing role in shaping elections in Romania, a NATO and EU member bordering Ukraine. Caroline Greer, TikTok's top EU lobbyist, highlighted the platform’s localized efforts during the election, which included 95 Romanian language content moderators, collaborations with fact-checkers, and consultations with the country’s electoral authority.
Despite these efforts, EU lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction, questioning the effectiveness of TikTok’s measures. Dutch Member of the European Parliament Dirk Gotink criticized the platform for allowing misinformation to spread unchecked before acting, likening their response to firefighting after significant damage.
According to a report by Romania’s Expert Forum, Georgescu’s TikTok account surged to 92.8 million views in recent months, with an additional 52 million views in the week leading up to the first-round vote. Another account sharing exclusively Georgescu-related content, which gained 1.7 million likes, was removed shortly after the polls closed. TikTok stated it has taken down over 150 accounts impersonating Georgescu and 650 similar accounts for other candidates.
Georgescu will compete in a runoff against reformist Elena Lasconi from the Save Romania Union party this Sunday.
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia
