TITLE: Poland urges EU probe into TikTok over AI-generated content

Poland Requests EU Investigation of TikTok

Poland has called on the European Commission to launch an investigation into TikTok after the platform hosted artificial intelligence-generated videos promoting Poland's withdrawal from the European Union, content authorities believe constitutes Russian disinformation.

The videos, featuring young women in Polish national colors, gained significant traction in recent weeks before the associated profile vanished from the app. Polish officials described the material as a threat to public order, information security and democratic processes across the EU.

Deputy Digitalization Minister Dariusz Standerski outlined these concerns in a letter to the Commission, arguing that TikTok failed to meet its obligations as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the bloc's Digital Services Act (DSA). The Act requires major platforms to identify and mitigate systemic risks, including those from AI-generated content that could influence elections or spread disinformation.

"The nature of the narratives, the manner in which they are distributed, and the use of synthetic audiovisual materials indicate non-compliance," Standerski wrote.

A government spokesperson emphasized that the videos contained Russian syntactic elements, reinforcing suspicions of foreign interference. Russia has denied involvement in such activities, including past allegations of election meddling.

TikTok's Response and EU Oversight

TikTok confirmed it removed the content for breaching its community guidelines. "We have been in contact with Polish authorities and have removed content where it violates our rules," a spokesperson stated in an emailed response.

The European Commission acknowledged receiving Poland's letter. It noted that under the DSA, platforms like TikTok must conduct risk assessments covering AI-related threats. In March 2024, the Commission requested information from several platforms, including TikTok, on their AI risk mitigation measures.

This is not the first scrutiny TikTok has faced from EU regulators. Last year, the Commission initiated formal proceedings against the ByteDance-owned app over potential failures to curb election interference, particularly in Romania's November 2024 presidential vote. The DSA empowers the Commission to fine non-compliant platforms up to 6% of their global annual turnover.

EU member states have heightened vigilance against foreign influence operations, especially amid ongoing conflicts like the war in Ukraine. Authorities warn of Russian-sponsored espionage, sabotage and disinformation campaigns targeting elections and politics.

Representatives from the Russian embassy in Warsaw did not respond to requests for comment.

Broader Context of Digital Regulation

The incident underscores growing concerns over AI's role in amplifying disinformation on social media. The DSA, effective since 2023, imposes strict transparency and moderation requirements on platforms with over 45 million monthly users in the EU. TikTok, with its vast young user base, has been a focal point for regulators worried about content that could sway public opinion or incite division.

Poland's request aligns with wider EU efforts to safeguard democratic integrity. Similar probes have targeted other platforms for inadequate handling of hate speech, misinformation and foreign interference. As elections approach in various member states, regulators are intensifying enforcement.

Experts note that AI tools make disinformation harder to detect, as synthetic media can mimic authentic content convincingly. Platforms must now deploy advanced detection systems and report on their effectiveness.

In related developments, the EU continues to monitor AI applications across sectors, with the AI Act set to impose further obligations on high-risk uses, including generative models like those potentially employed here.

This case highlights the intersection of technology, geopolitics and regulation, as the bloc balances innovation with security in the digital age.