Ciolacu Rejects TikTok Ban Proposal for Election Campaign

Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has dismissed the proposal to ban TikTok during Romania's presidential election campaign, calling it "nonsense." Speaking on Antena 3, Ciolacu, leader of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), stated that the Romanian state is fully equipped to address challenges related to social media influence in the 2024 elections, CE Report quotes Agerpres

Ciolacu responded to USR leader Elena Lasconi's suggestion to ban TikTok, citing concerns over potential irregularities like those that occurred in November 2024. He emphasized that state institutions have developed the necessary tools to manage such situations, adding that banning TikTok would not resolve the underlying issue.

The Prime Minister argued that while some candidates faced algorithmic limitations, the situation had changed, and the state now had the capacity to prevent undue influence. "You can't ban TikTok just because someone found a way to misuse it," he stated.

Lasconi had proposed the temporary ban in an effort to prevent foreign or domestic interference, highlighting the need for safeguards ahead of the elections. She stressed that while she supports free speech, the risks posed by TikTok warranted such a decision.

Ciolacu remains confident that the Romanian state can handle any challenges related to social media in the upcoming elections.