Concerns mount Over TikTok’s Adherence to Digital Services Act

Following the recent Romanian presidential elections, the European Commission has intensified its scrutiny of TikTok, raising serious concerns about the platform’s compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA) and national electoral laws. The core issue revolves around fears that TikTok may have inadvertently or deliberately facilitated the spread of misleading and manipulative content, potentially swaying the electoral process and distorting public discourse.

This heightened vigilance comes amid growing global concerns about the influence of social media platforms on democratic processes. For example, the 2016 US presidential election saw widespread disinformation campaigns on platforms like Facebook, prompting increased regulatory scrutiny worldwide.

MEP demands Answers: Ensuring Platform Accountability

The issue gained formal traction when Eurodeputata Mary grapin (S&D) formally requested clarification from the Commission regarding the specific actions taken to prevent similar incidents from recurring. Grapin’s inquiry extended beyond TikTok, encompassing all digital platforms capable of influencing electoral outcomes.

Commission’s Response: Formal Inquiries and Data Preservation Mandates

The European Commission responded by confirming that it had issued two formal requests for facts to TikTok on November 29 and December 6, 2024. these requests specifically targeted the measures TikTok had implemented to manage risks associated with inauthentic activities, the misuse of automation, and the operational mechanics of its suggestion algorithms.

Furthermore, on december 5, 2024, Brussels mandated that TikTok preserve all relevant data pertaining to risk management concerning the integrity of electoral processes and civic discourse. This data preservation order covers the period between November 24, 2024, and March 31, 2025, ensuring that crucial information is available for thorough investigation.

Formal Investigation Launched: Allegations of intentional Manipulation

On December 17, 2024, the Commission escalated its response by initiating a new formal procedure – the third of its kind – to investigate potential violations of the DSA. This investigation is particularly focused on allegations of intentional manipulation of platform services and systems, including the algorithms that determine the content users see.The probe also examines the rapid dissemination of political advertising and sponsored content that may contravene TikTok’s terms of service.

The investigation focuses in particular on the intentional manipulation of platform services and systemsincluding algorithms that determine the content suggested to users and the fast diffusion of political advertising and sponsored content that may not be in line with the terms of service of Tiktok.

EU’s Proactive Measures: guidelines and Electoral Toolkit

In anticipation of potential disruptions, the EU published Guidelines to mitigate systemic risks online in the electoral period in March 2024. These guidelines provide a framework for platforms to identify and address potential threats to electoral integrity. Additionally, the EU issued an “electoral toolkit” specifically designed for coordinators of digital services, offering practical tools and strategies for safeguarding elections.

Adding to these efforts, in March 2025, the Commission, along with several major online platforms (VLOPs), participated in an electoral stress test organized by Romanian authorities. This exercise aimed to simulate and assess the resilience of digital platforms against various forms of electoral interference.