TikTok ban divides European Commission

The European Commission's reluctance to join TikTok has sparked controversy within the EU, with officials arguing the organization is making a strategic error by avoiding a platform utilized by approximately 200 million Europeans. The issue of whether the executive should establish a presence on TikTok, owned by China, has been discussed in high-level meetings, with at least one commissioner advocating for a change of heart, according to an official willing to speak anonymously.

The Commission barred TikTok from staff devices in 2023 due to cybersecurity worries and also prohibits the app on "personal devices enrolled in the Commission mobile device service." The Commission maintains it remains vigilant on the platform's advancements, particularly regarding data protection and cybersecurity concerns. There appears to be no imminent shift in the Commission's stance.

Dana Spinant, the Commission’s director-general for communications, is opposed to creating an official account, as confirmed by another source familiar with the discussions. Spinant did not provide a comment when asked. Some commissioners expressed frustration that Brussels is absent from a platform where young Europeans increasingly seek news and perspectives.

Another source argued that Russia is not hesitant to exploit social media to sway European public opinion, suggesting the Commission cannot afford to lose ground. The debate unfolds as President Ursula von der Leyen and her commissioners strive to connect with more Europeans through social media. Von der Leyen plans to invite influencers, including some who share content on TikTok, to her upcoming State of the Union speech, prompting criticism from a third official who finds it ironic that the Commission encourages influencers to communicate its message on a platform it itself avoids.

Instead, the Commission is increasingly relying on YouTube, a U.S.-based platform that boasts over 500,000 subscribers for the Commission, as per two officials.