President of the Venice Commission, Marta Cartabia, warns at the Rule of Law Forum that social networks and algorithms pose major risks to democracy

President of the Venice Commission Marta Cartabia warned on Tuesday, at the Rule of Law Forum, held at the “Carol I” Central University Library, that social media, digital platforms and algorithms represent one of the main challenges to democracy and the integrity of electoral processes.

The European official referred to Romania’s experience regarding the annulment of the 2024 presidential election. She said the case led the Venice Commission to adopt a report setting out general principles for national authorities facing similar threats, without assessing the Constitutional Court’s decision.

Cartabia endorsed the position of President Nicușor Dan, who identified communication on social media as one of the most serious threats to democracy. The head of state warned that paid and artificially amplified messages can drown out legitimate voices, undermining the principle of “one person, one voice, one vote”.

In her speech, the president of the Venice Commission outlined three challenges to the rule of law: the exercise of power without limits, new forms of power controlled by platforms and private actors, and the need to restore institutions after periods of democratic backsliding. She also warned against a “winner takes all” mentality that ignores the opposition, minorities and young people’s concerns.