EU Issues Retention Order to TikTok Under Digital Services Act After Romanian Elections
The European Commission has issued a “retention order” to TikTok under the Digital Services Act (DSA) in the context of the ongoing Romanian elections. The order requires TikTok to freeze and preserve data related to systemic risks that its services might pose to electoral processes and civic discourse in the EU. This step aims to safeguard evidence for potential future investigations into TikTok’s compliance with DSA obligations.
Under the retention order, TikTok must preserve internal documents about its recommender systems and address the risks of manipulation through coordinated inauthentic activity. Additionally, the platform is required to maintain records of any systematic breaches of its terms of service, particularly concerning monetization features used for promoting political content. This directive applies to elections across the EU between November 24, 2024, and March 31, 2025.
The order follows information suggesting foreign interference in the Romanian elections. While the Commission has not concluded that TikTok violated the DSA, it has intensified monitoring and collaboration with relevant EU bodies. The Commission has also engaged TikTok and other platforms to ensure compliance with election guidelines, supported by initiatives like the Rapid Response System and input from civil society and cybersecurity organizations.
