European Union regulators have ordered TikTok to retain information related to Romania's presidential election amid allegations of an online campaign supporting candidate Calin Georgescu.

The EU Commission's actions are a direct response to potential foreign interference, with declassified data indicating Russian involvement.

Valérie Hayer, a Member of the European Parliament, has warned that the situation in Romania highlights the risks of disinformation across Europe, advocating for strict sanctions against TikTok if violations are found.

The U.S. State Department has expressed concerns over potential foreign influence in the elections, emphasizing that Romania's strong ties to the West should not be jeopardized.

This retention order, announced on December 5, 2024, is part of the Digital Services Act (DSA), which aims to combat illegal content and misinformation.

The order is intended to ensure TikTok improves its platform's integrity ahead of the crucial second round of the Romanian vote on December 8, 2024.

Georgescu unexpectedly won the first round of the election and is set to face Elena Lasconi from the USR party in the upcoming runoff.

Intelligence findings suggest that Romania is a target of a 'hybrid attack' by Russia aimed at influencing public opinion.

The Romanian Intelligence Service reported the activation of a previously dormant network on TikTok, employing typical state actor strategies in the lead-up to the elections.

Georgescu's rise in popularity is attributed to his substantial social media presence, with his videos reportedly receiving millions of views, reflecting public discontent amid economic challenges.

TikTok has faced accusations of facilitating the spread of far-right ideology, particularly among younger audiences.

Despite TikTok's attempts to distance itself from political content, user-uploaded political material continues to proliferate, raising concerns about the platform's algorithmic amplification effects.