EU regulators have ordered TikTok to retain data related to Romania's presidential election. Bucharest has released intelligence linking Moscow to surprise pro-Russian winner Calin Georgescu.
Summary
The EU has ordered TikTok to preserve data from Romania’s presidential election, investigating allegations of Russian interference under the Digital Services Act.
Pro-Russian candidate Calin Georgescu, who campaigned exclusively via viral TikTok videos, unexpectedly led the first election round, defying polls.
Romanian intelligence and a €1 million campaign price tag, despite Georgescu claiming zero spending, have raised suspicions of Moscow’s involvement.
Romania’s prosecutors are probing his campaign for money laundering.
Georgescu will face pro-EU candidate Elena Lasconi in a December 8 runoff.