site.btaReport Finds TikTok's Role in Bulgaria Is Growing, Used for Manipulating Public Opinion

The role of the social network TikTok in Bulgaria is growing, including its involvement in disseminating manipulative content. This is stated in a report presented at the European Parliament in Brussels on Tuesday, initiated by MEP Radan Kanev (DSB/EPP) and prepared by the non-governmental organization Balkan Free Media Initiative.

The document focuses on the use of TikTok in the Balkans and also examines the situation in Romania and Kosovo. In a video message to the participants, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola noted the steps taken by the EU to counter disinformation and defend European democracy. According to data from TikTok cited in the report, Bulgaria is among the EU countries with the highest number of reports of violations of the platform's content rules. The report states that online manipulation based on algorithms is used in Bulgaria and then reinforced by political actors.

Campaigns spreading misleading and false claims have been observed on various social networks and "mushroom" sites (with unclear ownership, no permanent address and no original content) in Bulgaria, which amplify the effect. Facebook remains the leading social network in Bulgaria (followed by YouTube), with the main political parties having a stronger presence there. In contrast, populist and extremist organizations tend to focus more on TikTok, seeking direct access to young people. According to the report, TikTok's penetration in Bulgaria has grown, particularly since last year's Romanian presidential elections. It is noted that most of the online disinformation disseminated in Bulgaria supports Russia, which has become particularly evident since the start of the war in Ukraine.

Recommendations have been made to ensure full transparency of media ownership, improve the rules for financing election advertising and prevent financing of "mushroom" websites.