POLITICO Tech: TikTok’s Reckoning in Romania

Host: Stephen Overlea
Guest: Peter Hake, Tech Reporter at POLITICO
Release Date: December 5, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of POLITICO Tech, host Stephen Overlea delves into the unfolding political drama in Romania, spotlighting the pivotal role of TikTok in the recent presidential elections. With the final round of voting imminent, the episode examines how social media, particularly TikTok, is influencing political landscapes and raising concerns about disinformation and electoral integrity.

The Meteoric Rise of Colin Georgesko

Colin Georgesko, a previously obscure 62-year-old candidate, has surged to prominence in Romania's presidential elections. Known for his far-right stance and nationalist policies, Georgesko's rapid ascent has left both local and international observers intrigued and concerned.

"Up until very recently and just before the Romanian elections, this person was actually little known."
— Peter Hake [02:11]

Georgesko's platform emphasizes self-sufficiency, reducing reliance on multinational corporations, and adopting ultra-nationalist policies reminiscent of movements like Trump's "Make America Great Again." His unexpected victory in the first round, achieving in two months what others did in nearly a year, is largely attributed to his strategic use of TikTok.

TikTok's Influence in the Romanian Election

With over 8 million Romanian users, TikTok has become a critical platform for political engagement. Georgesko capitalized on this, amassing 120 million views in a mere two months, a feat unmatched by his competitors.

"He really doubled down on [TikTok]. According to Romanian experts, his view count reached 120 million."
— Peter Hake [03:17]

Unlike other candidates who also utilized TikTok, Georgesko's overwhelming presence raises questions about the authenticity and fairness of his engagement on the platform.

Allegations of Manipulation and Disinformation

Concerns have emerged regarding potential manipulation of TikTok to bolster Georgesko's campaign. Analysts and NGOs point to two primary suspect tactics:

1. Use of Influencers:
   Georgesko allegedly employed influencers to amplify his content, bypassing TikTok's prohibition on political advertising by coupling political messages with non-political content.

2. Fake Accounts and Inauthentic Behavior:
   Reports suggest the creation of fake accounts orchestrated to enforce specific hashtags and messages, thereby manipulating TikTok's algorithm to favor Georgesko's content.

"Behavior like accounts that are set up in batches, fake accounts not belonging to real people, but then are being used to, in a coordinated way to really push certain messages."
— Peter Hake [04:10]

These tactics echo concerns from the 2016 US elections, where Russian interference via social media was prevalent. However, thus far, concrete evidence linking these actions to foreign interference remains unverified.

TikTok’s Response and EU Scrutiny

In response to the allegations, TikTok has taken steps to address potential abuses on its platform. The company has acknowledged and removed several networks attempting to influence elections, including those linked to Russian state media, Sputnik.

"They have admitted that they have taken down four networks... linked to Russian state media, Sputnik."
— Peter Hake [06:57]

The European Union has intensified its scrutiny of TikTok under the Digital Services Act, questioning the platform's compliance with social media regulations and its ability to safeguard electoral integrity. Brussels is particularly wary of TikTok's recommender system, which could be exploited by malicious actors to influence voter behavior.

"They have sent a set of questions to TikTok about whether it's actually able or to what extent it has upheld the integrity of elections."
— Peter Hake [09:19]

While TikTok denies any wrongdoing, the increased regulatory pressure signifies a broader reckoning for the platform in the political arena.

Broader Implications for Social Media and Politics

The Romanian election is not an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern where social media platforms like TikTok play significant roles in shaping political outcomes. The decline in public trust towards traditional news sources has made platforms like TikTok fertile ground for political messaging and, potentially, manipulation.

"More people are getting their news and information from TikTok... Influencers have become a key place where people go to for news and information."
— Stephen Overlea [05:20]

This shift underscores the urgent need for robust regulatory frameworks to ensure transparency and fairness in digital political campaigning.

Looking Ahead: The Final Round of Voting

As Romania prepares for the final round of voting, all eyes remain on TikTok's influence and the integrity of the electoral process. Key questions include whether TikTok's algorithm disproportionately favored Georgesko and how Brussels will respond to the ongoing concerns.

"Is the TikTok algorithm disproportionately favoring one candidate? That's what one of the Romanian regulators has alleged."
— Peter Hake [13:20]

The outcome of this election could set a precedent for how social media platforms are regulated in future elections, not just in Romania but across the European Union and beyond.

Conclusion

This episode of POLITICO Tech highlights the intricate interplay between technology and politics, using Romania's presidential election as a case study. As TikTok faces heightened scrutiny, the broader implications for digital democracy and platform accountability are profound, signaling a critical juncture in the regulation of social media in the political sphere.

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