Foreign digital interference – Publication of the VIGINUM report on information manipulation (05.02.25)

Amid a surge in attempts to interfere with European election processes, specifically via digital platforms, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Minister Delegate for Europe are particularly committed to supporting our affected partners and using all the necessary tools at the European and national levels to safeguard the integrity of elections.

In this regard, the Service for Vigilance and Protection against Foreign Digital Interference (VIGINUM) published a report today on the particularly egregious examples of information manipulation seen in the 2024 Romanian presidential election. The report analyzes the methods used on TikTok to artificially promote certain content and exploit influencers. It assesses the risk of such methods being used in France.

France supported the European Commission’s measures vis-à-vis TikTok in such cases and stands with Romania to combat foreign digital interference targeting our democracies. Minister Delegate for Europe Benjamin Haddad will be in Bucharest on February 5 and 6 to discuss these subjects.

France calls for the swift and full implementation of the Digital Services Act (DSA) as well as the completion of current investigations into certain digital platforms, as requested in a letter co-signed by 11 other Member States that was sent to the Commission last week.