Elon Musk, the owner of social media platform X (formerly Twitter), has criticized Romania’s reported plans to suspend TikTok, labeling the move as an attempt at censorship. Musk’s comments came in response to reports that the Romanian government is considering blocking the popular video-sharing app until state institutions complete their investigation into the first round of the country’s presidential elections.
In a tweet on his X account on Monday, Musk wrote, “You can tell who the bad guys are by who is demanding censorship.” His remarks highlight his ongoing advocacy for free speech and opposition to government-imposed restrictions on digital platforms.
The controversy follows violent protests in Romania on Sunday after the Electoral Commission rejected the candidacy of frontrunner Călin Georgescu. The Bucharest-based electoral bureau invalidated Georgescu’s candidacy after receiving over 1,000 challenges, many of which cited his anti-democratic and extremist stances.
Musk also reacted to the decision to bar Georgescu from running in the presidential election, calling the move “crazy.” The tech billionaire’s comments have drawn attention to the growing tension between governments and social media platforms over issues of censorship, misinformation, and political influence.
Romania’s potential suspension of TikTok is part of a broader global debate about the role of social media in elections and governance. As the situation unfolds, Musk’s criticism underscores the challenges of balancing free expression with regulatory oversight in the digital age.