In a move to curb foreign interference and ensure fair electoral practices, Romania has approved tightened campaign rules for social media platforms such as TikTok and Facebook ahead of the re-run of a canceled presidential election. The new regulations require platforms to promptly remove any content that violates electoral laws within five hours of a request from Romania’s electoral authorities, under the risk of facing substantial fines.
Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu emphasized the importance of these changes, stating that they aim to create a level playing field for all candidates and prevent social media from favoring a single individual. The fines for non-compliance could amount to as much as 5% of a company's total revenue, which could equate to "several billions of euros."
The decision to implement these stricter regulations comes in the wake of a political crisis triggered by the victory of a far-right, pro-Russian candidate in the initial round of the presidential election. Security officials voiced concerns over external interference, primarily through platforms like TikTok, leading to the annulment of the election. A new election is scheduled for May to rectify the situation.
Furthermore, the decree stipulates that both online and offline campaign materials must be clearly labeled and must disclose their sponsors transparently. To oversee the enforcement of these rules, Romania will engage with the European Commission, enhancing monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance.
Government spokesperson Mihai Constantin highlighted that the significant fines are intended to dissuade social media companies from facilitating dubious content and encourage adherence to the law. By fostering greater accountability on these platforms, Romania aspires to safeguard the integrity of its electoral processes and uphold democratic principles in the digital era.