tech
January 28, 2026
TikTok users “absolutely justified” in fearing MAGA makeover, experts say
TikTok’s tech issues abound as censorship fears drive users to delete app.
TL;DR
- TikTok claims that issues blocking anti-ICE videos and direct messages mentioning Jeffrey Epstein are due to technical errors stemming from a power outage at a US data center.
- Experts like Ioana Literat and Casey Fiesler believe users' fears of censorship are justified, suggesting that even if technical glitches are involved, the consistent suppression of specific political content indicates a potential bias or intentional design.
- Users' distrust is fueled by past experiences with censorship on other platforms and a perceived pattern of suppression of content critical of Donald Trump.
- The recent finalization of a deal that puts US owners, with alleged ties to Trump, in control of the app has heightened concerns about political influence on TikTok's content moderation.
- Some users are leaving TikTok, with uninstall rates reportedly increasing, while others are reportedly struggling to delete their accounts.
- California Governor Gavin Newsom has launched a review into whether TikTok is violating state law by censoring Trump-critical content.
- Experts suggest that even if not intentional, the perception of censorship damages user trust, and the platform risks becoming a "propaganda apparatus" rather than a space for authentic expression.
- Users may adapt by developing workarounds, shifting content to other platforms, or using coded language, but the fundamental social aspect of TikTok, where communities and conversations exist, makes it hard to leave.
- The long-term implications could fundamentally reshape TikTok's role in political discourse, with potential for it to suffer a fate similar to Twitter/X, characterized by "gradual erosion" or "death by a thousand cuts."