TikTok: The New Political Battlefield in Europe
In the midst of growing concern about TikTok’s influence on European politics, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced his decision to join the platform just two months before the summer European elections. Scholz’s move was prompted by his staff recognizing the trend of politicians gaining support through TikTok as a strategic decision ahead of the elections.
As TikTok continues to gain popularity among European decision-makers, there are calls to ban it in Finland due to its harmful content and fears of user data being shared with Chinese authorities. The rise of far-right and extreme right parties on TikTok has also sparked concern across Europe, with the Identity and Democracy Group of the European Parliament emerging as the largest audience on the platform.
Politicians like Scholz and AfD’s Maximilian Krah have recognized that TikTok has become a battleground for engaging with young voters and shaping political narratives. The platform’s influence on elections is undeniable, with visibility on TikTok becoming a key factor in reaching and mobilizing young voters. As parties adapt to the TikTok phenomenon, it is likely that its impact on European politics will continue to grow in future elections.
