The role of the social network TikTok in Bulgaria is growing, includingits involvement in disseminating manipulative content. This is stated in a report presented at the European Parliament in Brussels, reported BTA. It was prepared by the non-governmental organization Balkan Free Media Initiative.

Bulgaria is among the EU countries with the highest number of reports of violations of the platform's content rules. The report notes that online manipulation based on algorithms is used in the country, and then reinforced by political actors. Campaigns spreading misleading and false claims are amplified through social media and so-called “mushroom” websites (with unclear ownership, no permanent address and no original content).

Facebook remains the leading social network in Bulgaria, followed by YouTube. Meanwhile, populist and extremist organizations tend to focus more on TikTok, seeking gain direct access to young people.

Published and translated by Kostadin Atanasov

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