In preparation for the upcoming European elections in June, candidates are turning to the popular social media app TikTok in an effort to reach young voters. With around 142 million users in the EU, most of whom are young Europeans, TikTok has become a critical platform for those looking to secure the youth vote. However, concerns about potential data surveillance by the Chinese government and the spread of misinformation on the app have led some candidates to opt out of using TikTok in their campaigns. Ursula von der Leyen, the lead candidate for the European People Party, has announced that she will not be using TikTok in her campaign, aligning with the party’s stance on the platform.
Despite concerns about data privacy and misinformation, some candidates, such as the Greens’ Terry Reintke and the Liberals’ Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmerman, are actively engaging with TikTok users in their campaigns. They believe that avoiding the platform could result in missing out on reaching potential voters and allowing far-right parties to dominate the space. The president of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, recently joined TikTok to connect with younger voters, despite the institution’s previous ban on the app for employees. Metsola hopes to counter potential propaganda and misinformation by providing accurate information to young users.
As candidates grapple with the decision of whether to engage with TikTok, concerns about Chinese influence in the European Parliament and the risk of data surveillance loom large. Some candidates, like Raphaël Glucksmann of the French Socialist Party, have chosen to forego using TikTok as a stand against China, arguing that the platform supports the Chinese Communist Party. However, others, like Jordan Bardella of the far-right Rassemblement National, have embraced TikTok, amassing a substantial following on the platform. The differing approaches to TikTok highlight the complexities of navigating digital campaigning in the face of global security and privacy concerns.
Despite the political debate surrounding TikTok, the European Parliament is applying pressure on the platform to address issues of misinformation and mental health risks for minors. The Commission launched a formal investigation into TikTok’s practices, leading to the suspension of a spinoff app in France and Spain. Additionally, the EU’s new Digital Services Act (DSA) could potentially enforce fines or temporary suspensions on platforms that don’t comply with regulations. As some MPs in Germany call for a general ban on TikTok due to security concerns, the European Parliament continues to utilize the platform to promote reliable content and combat disinformation ahead of the elections.
The use of TikTok in political campaigning underscores the evolving landscape of digital communication in politics, particularly in engaging with younger demographics. While some candidates view TikTok as a valuable tool for reaching voters and countering extremist messaging, others are cautious about the risks associated with the platform. As the European elections draw nearer, candidates must weigh the benefits of using TikTok as a campaign tool against the potential security and privacy implications. With the European Parliament taking a proactive stance on regulating platforms like TikTok, the ongoing debate around digital campaigning and data protection is likely to shape the future of political communication in the EU.
