No, using fake names on social media in Romania violates Law No. 365/2002 on Electronic Commerce and GDPR, exposing users to fines up to €20,000. The National Authority for Administration and Regulation in Communications (ANCOM) enforces transparency rules, while the National Supervisory Authority for Personal Data Processing (ANSPDCP) penalizes non-compliance. Recent 2026 amendments to the Digital Services Act (DSA) further restrict anonymity to combat disinformation.
Key Regulations for Using Fake Names on Social Media in Romania
- Law No. 365/2002 (Electronic Commerce Act): Mandates that social media platforms must verify user identities, prohibiting the use of false names or personas under Article 13(2).
- GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): Requires platforms to process personal data (including usernames) lawfully, with fake names potentially constituting a breach of Article 5(1)(c) (data accuracy).
- ANSPDCP Enforcement: The authority has fined individuals and platforms (e.g., €15,000 in 2025) for failing to remove fake accounts upon request under Law No. 190/2018 (amending GDPR).
Social media providers must implement Know Your Customer (KYC) measures under ANCOM’s 2026 guidelines, requiring real-name verification for political or commercial accounts. Exceptions exist for artistic or whistleblower contexts, but documentation is mandatory. Non-compliance risks administrative sanctions or criminal liability under the Romanian Penal Code (Article 326—fraudulent use of identity).