site.btaEC Executive Vice President Minzatu Does Not Rule Out Romanian Ban on TikTok

Experts from Brussels are examining the possible impact of the TikTok social media platform on the outcome of the presidential elections in Romania last November, European Commission Executive Vice President Roxana Minzatu said on Tuesday, the second day of her visit to Bucharest. Minzatu, who is responsible for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness in the Commission, said she cannot tell whether the probe will end before the Romanian presidential elections in May 2025, but did not rule out the possibility of more radical decisions such as banning TikTok in the country if there is clear evidence to warrant it.

On November 24, 2024, ultranationalist Calin Georgescu earned a surprise victory in the first round of the presidential elections in Romania. A second round was due to be held on December 8, but the Constitutional Court annulled the election, alleging that a Russian influence operation had impacted the vote. Presidential elections will be held again in Romania on May 4.

Speaking at a press conference at the European Commission Representation to Romania, Minzatu commented: "This is not something that I would discuss in detail, but as a member of the European Commission I want to send out a very clear message. We must observe the law on moderating the content of large internet platforms. After all, they are very important players in society, in democracy."

She called for up-to-date regulations, not just in the EU, to allow actions to be taken when social media content is improperly moderated or when there is evidence that the rules of transparency and ethics are violated.

In December 2024, the European Commission started an investigation against TikTok over suspicions of interference in elections in EU member states. The investigation was prompted by the events in Romania and a report by the local security services alleging external interference and manipulation of public moods through TikTok ahead of the presidential elections.