TikTok application suspension requested in Romania. Klaus Iohannis convenes CSAT for cyber risks in the electoral process
The Vice President of the National Authority for Administration and Regulation in Communications (ANCOM) in Romania, Pavel Popescu, announced the start of procedures to suspend the TikTok application in the country. The decision comes in the context of suspicions related to influencing the first round of the presidential elections, held on November 24, 2024, writes the Romanian media.
According to an ANCOM press release, the Permanent Electoral Authority (AEP) has sent notifications to TikTok in recent months, requesting the removal of illegal content distributed during the electoral campaign. ANCOM stated that it had informed digital platforms since August about their legal obligations during the electoral process. However, TikTok's response was not fast enough.
“AEP sent notifications to the TikTok platform, reporting various irregularities related to the illegally distributed content and requesting it to take the necessary measures to conduct the electoral campaign in Romania under legal conditions,” reads the statement. In addition, the situation was also discussed with representatives of the European Commission.
ANCOM explained that direct supervisory competence lies with the European Commission in the case of very large online platforms, such as TikTok. However, the authority collaborated with AEP and other institutions, including the National Directorate for Cyber Security (DNSC), to prevent cyberattacks on electoral infrastructure.
In the context of allegations regarding TikTok’s role in the victory of candidate Călin Georgescu in the first round of elections, DNSC recalled that it had recommended banning the application on public institution devices as early as 2023. However, monitoring and investigating the manipulation of social media algorithms is not within the DNSC’s remit.
President Klaus Iohannis has convened the Supreme Council for National Defense (CSAT) for Thursday, November 28, to discuss the risks generated by cyberattacks on IT&C infrastructures supporting the electoral process. The decision to suspend TikTok is expected to be analyzed in this context as well.
