Yazılar

TikTok cooperates closely with EU probe into Romania election interference

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TikTok is being “extremely cooperative” with the European Commission’s investigation into potential interference in Romania’s 2024 presidential election, a Commission spokesperson said. The probe focuses on whether the platform failed to adequately limit election-related risks under EU digital rules.

European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier said TikTok had engaged constructively with regulators and had already implemented several measures. He added that the Commission welcomes cooperation from platforms and is open to dialogue when companies show willingness to comply.

The investigation was formally launched in December 2024, when the European Commission opened proceedings over concerns that TikTok may not have done enough to curb election interference during the Romanian vote. The case forms part of broader EU scrutiny of how social media platforms handle political content and safeguard democratic processes.

US senators unveil bill to curb scam ads on social media platforms

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Two U.S. senators have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at forcing social media platforms to take greater responsibility for fraudulent advertising. Senators Ruben Gallego and Bernie Moreno said the proposed Safeguarding Consumers from Advertising Misconduct Act, or SCAM Act, would require platforms to take “reasonable steps” to prevent scam ads or face enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general.

The bill would mandate verification of advertisers’ identities or the legal existence of businesses, and require platforms to quickly review and act on reports of fraudulent ads. Supporters say social media companies have become a major conduit for online scams by relaxing advertiser checks to protect ad revenues.

The proposal follows a Reuters investigation that cited internal documents at Meta Platforms estimating that scam and illicit ads could account for a significant share of revenue. Meta has disputed those figures and said it actively combats fraud. The legislation is backed by the American Bankers Association and consumer groups such as AARP, and would allow state authorities to bring civil action against non-compliant platforms.

Indian tourist state of Goa weighs social media ban for children

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India’s top tourist state of Goa is considering a potential ban on social media use for children, drawing inspiration from Australia’s recent restrictions amid growing concerns over the impact of online platforms on young users’ mental health. The proposal comes as India remains one of the world’s largest markets for social media, with millions of users estimated to be under 18.

Goa’s information technology minister said state authorities are studying Australia’s law, which restricts social media access for children under 16, to assess whether a similar approach could be adopted locally. Officials said details of any proposal would follow after further review.

The discussion highlights the absence of nationwide rules in India governing minors’ access to social media, despite increasing debate over screen time, online safety and psychological well-being. Another Indian state, Andhra Pradesh, has also indicated it is exploring comparable measures after reviewing global regulatory efforts.

Australia last year became the first country to implement a nationwide social media ban for children under 16, a move that deactivated millions of teen accounts within weeks. Other countries, including France and several in Southeast Asia, are closely watching the outcome as they consider similar policies.