European politicians are increasingly using TikTok to connect with younger voters before the upcoming elections.
Simon Harris, who is set to become Ireland’s prime minister, has become popular on the platform, attracting 95,000 followers by sharing personal stories and political goals in short videos that appeal to a generation used to quick content.
While German security agencies have warned about TikTok potentially sharing data with China, the platform assures users of data privacy by storing data in Dublin and using third-party security checks.
Other European leaders are also embracing TikTok.
Biden supports TikTok divestiture bill (Via Tim Smith/Shutterstock)
French President Emmanuel Macron has amassed 4 million followers since joining in 2020, while Germany’s Health Minister Karl Lauterbach is the country’s first minister to create a TikTok account, showing a shift towards using digital platforms in mainstream politics.
Politicians see TikTok as a way to engage young voters who rely on social media for news and information, although they face challenges due to security concerns and the polarization of politics.
As the European elections draw near, leaders are increasingly focused on using digital platforms to connect with younger voters, competing with fringe parties that have also found success on TikTok.
