How recommender algorithms threaten election integrity

A recent study by EDRi member ApTI Romania sheds light on the critical vulnerabilities of recommender algorithms in social media platforms, particularly concerning election integrity. The analysis revealed significant non-compliance with both national electoral laws and EU regulations like the Digital Services Act (DSA) during the 2025 Romanian presidential election, highlighting a growing concern for democratic processes across Europe. This research underscores the urgent need for greater scrutiny and regulatory oversight of how platforms curate and disseminate political content. The quantitative analysis focused on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, identifying instances where their recommender algorithms failed to adhere to legal frameworks governing electoral campaigns. These platforms, central to modern political discourse, demonstrated a concerning tendency to distribute political content in ways that could undermine fair electoral practices. The study's findings indicate a gap between platform operations and existing legal safeguards designed to ensure transparent and equitable elections. The implications of these algorithmic practices are far-reaching, impacting not only the specific election studied but also broader European digital sovereignty efforts. Voters relying on these platforms for information may be exposed to content that is not subject to the same regulations as traditional media, potentially skewing perceptions and outcomes. This situation calls for a robust response from policymakers to ensure that digital platforms contribute positively to, rather than detract from, the integrity of democratic elections.