The recent decision to cancel elections in some constituencies in Romania, due to alleged pro-Russian propaganda interference spread through TikTok, is a wake-up call that transcends national borders. This episode highlights not only the growing danger of digital manipulation in contemporary democracies, but also a deeper threat: the very erosion of democracy, a risk that affects every country, bar none.
TikTok, which began as an entertainment platform, has turned into a powerful tool for political persuasion. Its format, based on short, highly emotional videos, lends itself perfectly to disinformation campaigns capable of reaching millions of users quickly and effectively. In this case, pro-Russian propaganda used the platform to spread narratives aimed at destabilizing the Romanian electoral process, undermining trust in democratic institutions and favoring parties and candidates aligned with the Kremlin’s geopolitical interests.
Through polarizing and manipulative content, the propaganda exploited already existing tensions: distrust of the government, economic crisis and social insecurity. The result was a weakening of voter participation and a climate of division and confusion, culminating in the annulment of the first round of elections by the Constitutional Court.
Una minaccia globale alla democrazia
This affair is not unique to Romania. It is a symptom of a global threat: digital interference in democratic processes. Social platforms, thanks to algorithms designed to maximize engagement, amplify divisive and sensationalist content, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish between reliable information and manipulation.
Democracy, based on informed and transparent consent, is in danger of being emptied of its essence. Orchestrated campaigns can influence elections, steer public opinion and manipulate political debate. This phenomenon affects not only more vulnerable countries, but every modern democracy. When digital manipulation enters the ballot box, democracy itself risks becoming an illusion.
Le responsabilità delle piattaforme social
Platforms like TikTok bear a significant responsibility in this crisis. Although they have revolutionized the way we communicate and inform ourselves, social media have created ideal spaces for misinformation and propaganda. Despite promises to improve content controls, the measures taken are still insufficient. Algorithms designed to promote the most engaging content often favor sensationalist and divisive content, fostering manipulative campaigns such as those observed in Romania.
Technology companies must take more responsibility to prevent abuse. The protection of democratic processes cannot be subordinated to profits. Failure to do so will require governments and international institutions to step in with stricter regulations and more effective monitoring tools.
L’Unione Europea deve agire
The cancellation of elections in Romania should prompt the European Union to recognize the seriousness of the threat and put concrete actions in place. Some priorities include:
Regolamentare le piattaforme digitali, imponendo maggiore trasparenza sugli algoritmi e sul controllo dei contenuti.
Investire in cybersecurity, rafforzando le capacità di monitoraggio e contrasto delle campagne di disinformazione a livello nazionale ed europeo.
Promuovere l’alfabetizzazione digitale, educando i cittadini a riconoscere e contrastare la disinformazione.
The response must be collective and decisive, because no country is immune. One state’s vulnerability poses a risk to all, especially in an increasingly interconnected Europe.
La difesa della democrazia è una sfida globale
The case of Romania shows how fragile democracy is in the digital age. Propaganda on TikTok is not just a local threat, but an attack on the very heart of political freedom. To allow such interference to proliferate is to jeopardize the democratic future of all countries, turning elections and political decisions into games manipulated by outside powers and uncontrolled algorithms.
Protecting democracy requires a joint and continuous effort. It is not just about preserving the right to vote, but ensuring that every citizen can be informed and free to choose. Ignoring these signals is tantamount to accepting that our democracies are sacrificed on the altar of misinformation and propaganda, undermining freedom and justice on a global scale.
Article Romania’s election cancellation and the threat of pro-Russian propaganda on TikTok comes from TheNewyorker.
