EU launches probe into TikTok over Romania vote interference [Video]

The EU said on Tuesday it had opened a formal investigation into TikTok following allegations the platform was used by Russia to sway the result of Romania’s later annulled presidential election.

The probe, under a mammoth law known as the Digital Services Act (DSA), centres on concerns the short-video app failed to “assess and mitigate systemic risks” linked to election integrity, the European Commission said.

The DSA forces the world’s largest tech firms to do more to protect European users online and clamp down on illegal content.

Moscow is regularly accused of orchestrating disinformation campaigns in favour of candidates that could be favourable to it, in the EU and elsewhere.

“We must protect our democracies from any kind of foreign interference. Whenever we suspect such interference, especially during elections, we have to act swiftly and firmly,” said commission chief Ursula von der Leyen.

Authorities in Bucharest have alleged Russian meddling …