In Romania, TikTok’s refusal to share data with academic researchers during a crucial election period has sparked concerns over the platform’s role in shaping public opinion.

Academic Adriana Iamnitchi led efforts to uncover disinformation campaigns on social media but was denied access to necessary information. Meanwhile, TikTok took action against fake accounts promoting a controversial politician.

The incident highlights the tension between tech giants and academic scrutiny, especially in the context of political influence. Experts wonder how much we can trust these platforms with our democratic processes.

The case raises issues about data access for researchers and the need for stricter regulations on social media’s impact on elections globally.