TikTok users in the US see signs of censorship after ban lifted

The platform, once considered a hotbed of free speech, is now causing concern among its users.

Some TikTok users in the US have said they are seeing signs of censorship and increased content moderation since the platform was restored.

This writes Reuters.

TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, recently resumed operations after a temporary block caused by a law passed during the Biden administration due to threats to national security. TikTok was saved by an executive order from President Donald Trump, but on the condition that it be sold to an American buyer.

After that, users began to notice changes: a decrease in the number of live broadcasts, removal or marking of content as violating the rules, even if it was previously allowed.

TikTok stated that their policies and algorithms had not changed, and the problems were related to ’temporary instability» while the platform was restored.

«We are working hard to restore our operations in the US, but we expect temporary disruptions that may affect users' access to certain features of the app», – the company said in a statement.

Users report increased moderation:

• limited search results;
• misinformation warnings;
• removing comments with phrases like «Free Palestine» or «Free Luigi».

Creator Pat Loller said his satirical video about Elon Musk was flagged as misinformation and its distribution was restricted. Other users, such as Lisa Kline, complained about the inability to post videos criticizing Trump.

Trump promised in his latest executive order to «restore free speech» on social platforms and end censorship. He also said he was open to considering TikTok being acquired by Elon Musk, who is an ally of his.

However, users like Danisha Carter, whose accounts were suspended, believe the changes are politically motivated. Carter, a political commentator with 2 million followers, said her account was removed without a clear explanation, even though her recent videos criticized the tech giants' influence on the US election.

Some users, like data analyst Ada Ortiz, note that even normal comments are now being flagged as violations of the rules. Ortiz removed 15 videos with positive content about Vice President Kamala Harris and criticism of Trump due to fears of further sanctions.

TikTok, once a platform for free expression, has faced serious challenges to user trust, the publication writes. The debate over free speech on the platform has intensified as users see possible political bias in the moderation.