Elections in Czechia: TikTok removed fake accounts attempting to influence results

At the end of the previous month, Deník N and the Center for Research on Online Risks reported on interconnected anonymous accounts on the Chinese social network TikTok, which, according to experts, were clearly attempting to influence the results of the currently ongoing elections by systematically spreading pro-Russian propaganda and supporting anti-system parties. Even then, Czech authorities were reportedly intensively dealing with them, and according to yesterday’s report by the ČTK agency, they indeed achieved a result: TikTok deleted these fake profiles that behaved like bots.

TikTok responds to impulses from ČTÚ

Representatives of the social network operated by the Chinese company ByteDance, according to ČTK, responded directly to the impulses from the Czech Telecommunication Office (ČTÚ). The platform removed some of the fake accounts and stated that it continues to thoroughly verify information from ČTÚ and other relevant authorities. However, it also wrote that it found no evidence to confirm that the accounts formed a cohesive network or were part of a hidden influence operation.

For Deník N, ČTÚ spokesperson Tereza Meravá commented on the situation: „TikTok responded to the Czech Telecommunication Office regarding the submitted impulses concerning accounts for which there was suspicion of inauthentic behavior and coordinated activity. TikTok informed us that it had reviewed all accounts that researchers brought to our attention. For some of them, it evaluated the impulses as legitimate, and the accounts were removed.“

ČTK adds that since the beginning of this August alone, TikTok has prevented over 7.3 million fake likes, 1.3 million fake follow requests, and the creation of over 26,000 spam accounts in Czechia. „It also removed 46 accounts that impersonated candidates or elected officials in the Czech Republic,“ the agency also stated.

The blocking was preceded by negotiations in the EU with tech giants

The blocking of fake accounts was preceded by negotiations at the European Commission with tech giants operating influential social networks and platforms. According to Politico, which quotes EC spokesperson Thomas Regnier, Google, Meta, Microsoft, TikTok, and X participated. The meeting, which was reportedly organized directly by ČTÚ, concerned precisely potential disinformation threats targeting Czech voters.

„It was a productive meeting with a good exchange of views with TikTok,“ the commission spokesperson said, according to ČTK. Politico adds that the participating platform representatives declared their readiness to respond to potential incidents.

Experts uncovered almost 300 interconnected accounts

For example, the Center for Research on Online Risks submitted impulses to the Czech Telecommunication Office. In its report from the end of September, it stated that it had discovered 286 unique accounts regularly publishing or sharing content supporting pro-Russian narratives. According to the center, the profiles were not tied to one specific political entity but expressed support for multiple anti-system parties simultaneously.

These accounts, with a total reach of 5 to 9 million views per week, reportedly commented on and “reposted” each other’s content to increase its reach.

Polling stations close at 2:00 PM

Elections to the Chamber of Deputies started yesterday in Czechia, polling stations reopened today at 8 AM and will close at 2 PM. Subsequently, the vote counting process will begin.

Sources: ČTK, Deník N, Politico, Center for Research on Online Risks