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Poland has formally requested an EU investigation of TikTok over what it describes as a large-scale AI-generated disinformation campaign promoting the country’s exit from the European Union. The request, submitted this week by Poland’s Ministry of Digital Affairs, accuses the platform of failing to properly moderate synthetic content that threatens democratic processes.
Secretary of State Dariusz Standerski detailed the complaint in a letter to Executive Vice President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy Henna Virkkunen, claiming TikTok violated its obligations as a Very Large Online Platform under the Digital Services Act (DSA).
“The synthetic audiovisual materials pose significant threats to public order, information security, and the integrity of democratic processes in Poland and across the European Union,” Standerski warned in his statement.
European analytics collective Res Futura documented the campaign, identifying TikTok accounts like “Prawilne Polki” that published videos featuring young women dressed in clothing with Polish flags and patriotic symbols advocating for “Polexit.” These videos appear specifically designed to target younger audiences who make up TikTok’s primary user base.
In one example, an AI-generated character stated: “I want Polexit because I want freedom of choice, even if it will be more expensive. I don’t remember Poland before the European Union, but I feel it was more Polish then.”
The Polish government’s formal complaint outlines four specific actions they’re requesting from the European Commission. First, they want the Commission to initiate investigative proceedings regarding TikTok’s suspected breaches of DSA provisions relating to systemic risk management and content moderation.
Second, Poland is demanding TikTok submit a detailed report on the scale and nature of the identified content, its reach among users, and actions the platform has taken to remove it and prevent further dissemination.
Third, the ministry requests the Commission consider implementing interim measures aimed at limiting the continued spread of AI-generated content encouraging Polish withdrawal from the EU.
Finally, the complaint asks for coordination with Poland’s Digital Services Coordinator UKE and notification of relevant national authorities regarding the proceedings’ outcomes.
Standerski emphasized that “available information suggests TikTok has not implemented adequate mechanisms for moderating AI-generated content.” He added that the platform’s alleged failure to ensure transparency about synthetic material origins undermines fundamental DSA objectives related to disinformation prevention and user protection.
“The scale of this phenomenon, its potential consequences for political stability, and the use of generative technologies to undermine democratic foundations require immediate response from European Union institutions,” the letter stressed.
This complaint represents one of the first formal DSA enforcement requests specifically targeting AI-generated disinformation campaigns on major social media platforms. As such, it highlights growing concerns among EU member states about synthetic media being weaponized to manipulate public opinion and destabilize democratic institutions.
Under the Digital Services Act, which came into full effect in February 2024, TikTok and other Very Large Online Platforms face enhanced obligations including systemic risk assessments, independent audits, and transparency reporting. The legislation grants the European Commission powers to investigate platforms and impose fines of up to 6% of global annual revenue for violations.
The Polish case is not TikTok’s first brush with DSA scrutiny. In February 2023, the Commission opened a formal investigation against the platform for potential violations in areas including protection of minors, advertising transparency, data access for researchers, and risk management related to addictive design features and harmful content.
As generative AI technologies become more sophisticated and accessible, regulators across Europe are increasingly concerned about their potential misuse in political influence operations, particularly as several EU member states prepare for elections in the coming year.
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11 Comments
Synthetic media and disinformation are growing threats, especially on platforms popular with younger users. I hope the EU takes this issue seriously and works to protect democratic discourse.
Disinformation campaigns can have real-world impacts, especially when targeted at younger audiences on social media. The EU should act quickly to understand the scale of this issue on TikTok and take appropriate enforcement action.
Absolutely. The Digital Services Act gives the EU new tools to address these problems, and they should use them to the fullest extent.
Protecting the integrity of elections and democratic processes should be a top priority. TikTok needs to take greater responsibility for the content on its platform, especially synthetic media that could mislead users.
This is concerning. If TikTok is indeed allowing the spread of AI-generated disinformation about Polexit, that’s a serious threat to democracy. The EU should investigate this thoroughly and hold the platform accountable if the allegations are true.
I agree, the integrity of democratic processes must be protected. TikTok needs to improve content moderation and crack down on synthetic media that aims to mislead.
As someone interested in the geopolitics of the EU, I’m curious to see how this investigation plays out. TikTok’s content policies will be under scrutiny, and the platform’s response could have broader implications.
Good point. This case could set an important precedent for how social media platforms handle AI-generated content that may be intended to mislead or sway public opinion.
This is a complex issue at the intersection of technology, geopolitics, and free speech. The EU will need to balance content moderation with preserving open dialogue. I’m interested to see their approach.
Agreed, it’s a delicate balance. Tackling disinformation is crucial, but overzealous censorship could also undermine democratic principles. The EU will have to tread carefully.
I’m glad to see Poland taking this issue seriously and pushing for an EU investigation. Disinformation, whether AI-generated or not, poses real risks to our shared democratic values.