TikTok Trouble: EU Demands Answers on Alleged Russian Election Meddling in Romania
The EU is investigating TikTok over claims of Russian meddling in Romanian elections. Allegedly, influencers were paid to boost far-right candidate Calin Georgescu. TikTok has 24 hours to respond to the EU’s request for information and evidence retention. Meanwhile, Romania’s top court has annulled the initial election results.
Hot Take:
When TikTok meets Romanian politics, it’s like putting pineapple on pizza – some people love it, others think it’s just plain wrong! The EU is now playing referee in this bizarre digital food fight, questioning whether Moscow’s influence is the secret ingredient behind Romania’s surprise election candidate. But with the Romanian court tossing the pizza dough up in the air by annulling the first round, it seems like this spicy saga is far from over!
Key Points:
- The EU is investigating TikTok for possibly playing a role in promoting a surprise front-runner in Romania’s presidential election.
- Romanian intelligence files suggest a pro-Russian campaign on Telegram recruited TikTok influencers to boost candidate Calin Georgescu.
- Romania’s top court has annulled the first round of election results, necessitating a do-over.
- The EU Commission has demanded TikTok retain all election-related files and comply with its Digital Services Act.
- One TikTok user allegedly spent $381,000 to promote Georgescu on the platform.