How Europe is trying to protect elections in the age of social media

A number of European Union countries have held or are holding key elections this year, including parliamentary, presidential and regional votes, amid growing concerns over disinformation and the role of digital technologies in political processes, according to Delfi.

Across Europe, policymakers are increasingly focused on how social media platforms, algorithm-driven content and potential foreign interference can shape public opinion during election campaigns. Particular attention is being paid to artificial intelligence tools and coordinated networks of fake accounts.

One of the most widely cited cases is Romania, where in 2024, right-wing candidate Călin Georgescu unexpectedly won the election, but the results were later annulled. Intelligence services reportedly identified widespread disinformation activity during the campaign, including the use of thousands of accounts on platforms such as TikTok and Telegram. In a subsequent rerun of the vote, Bucharest mayor Nicușor Dan emerged as the winner.

At the European Union level, there are growing calls for stricter regulation of the digital space. French President Emmanuel Macron has advocated tighter oversight of social media algorithms, mandatory labelling of AI-generated content, increased transparency in political advertising, and stronger measures against fake accounts.

In Bulgaria, authorities have requested EU assistance to counter disinformation ahead of elections, using rapid response mechanisms. TikTok has also reported removing accounts that it said were attempting to influence public opinion.

Latvia has already introduced rules governing the use of artificial intelligence in election campaigning, requiring political parties to disclose AI-generated materials, with penalties for violations. Oversight is carried out by anti-corruption authorities in cooperation with major platforms, including Meta, Google, TikTok and X. So far, no significant violations have been reported.