European countries are preparing to ban the social network TikTok: details of this decision

Popular social network TikTok may disappear from Europe due to security threats

European countries are considering the possibility of banning the Chinese social network TikTok, taking an example from the United States. The reason for this decision is the threat of disinformation, election interference and the danger of collecting personal data.

ERR writes about this.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna noted that TikTok actively spreads fake news, disinformation and can even influence the results of elections in various European countries.

“A striking example is the situation in Romania, where the results of the first round of the presidential election were annulled due to Russian interference. This was made possible by massive online propaganda using platforms such as TikTok,” Tsahkna emphasized.

According to the minister, TikTok is not a media outlet that ensures balance and objectivity. Instead, the platform becomes a tool for spreading biased materials and influencing public opinion. “TikTok is not a media outlet, but a weapon of influence,” Tsahkna said. he said.

Tsakhkna also drew attention to the fact that TikTok collects a huge amount of data on users, and it is not always clear who can access this information.

“Since TikTok is owned by a Chinese company, there are serious concerns that this data could end up in the hands of the Chinese authorities. The annual report of the Foreign Intelligence Service also mentioned that TikTok could be used for intelligence gathering, blackmail and cyberattacks,” — the minister noted.

Based on these risks, Margus Tsakhkna called for discussions on the possible introduction of a TikTok ban in Europe. In his opinion, democratic countries should also more actively discuss ways to combat hostile AI-based bots that aim to interfere in democratic processes.