European Commission Launches Formal Investigation

The European Commission has initiated formal proceedings against social media giant TikTok, suspecting its failure to assess and mitigate risks associated with elections, particularly the recent Romanian presidential vote.

Focus Areas Under Scrutiny

The investigation will delve into TikTok's political advertisements, paid-for content, and the potential for its recommender systems to be manipulated. This move follows the Commission's earlier directive to TikTok to freeze data related to the Romanian elections under the EU's Digital Services Act.

Implications and Further Actions

The formal proceedings grant the Commission the authority to take further enforcement actions and to consider commitments made by TikTok. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the EU's commitment to safeguarding its democracies from foreign interference, stating, "Following serious indications that foreign actors interfered in the Romanian presidential elections by using TikTok, we are now thoroughly investigating whether TikTok has violated the Digital Services Act by failing to tackle such risks."

Third Investigation Against TikTok

This marks the third investigation the Commission has launched against TikTok, underscoring the EU's stringent approach to regulating social media platforms operating within its borders.