A widespread service disruption on TikTok in the United States has triggered concerns about censorship and control just days after the platform officially shifted ownership to a majority-US investor group. The outage, which began Sunday, left millions of users unable to upload or view content, prompting speculation that the app’s new management may be suppressing politically sensitive material.
The Timing Raises Questions. The timing of the outage is notable. It occurred immediately after TikTok completed its transfer of US operations, a move intended to address national security concerns and comply with federal law. This transition was upheld by the Supreme Court but delayed for years under the Trump administration, before finally taking effect last week. The abrupt technical issues have amplified existing fears that the app’s new owners could manipulate the content recommendation algorithm or restrict certain viewpoints.
User Reports of Censorship. Many TikTok users reported that videos, particularly those addressing recent federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota, were delayed or entirely blocked from appearing in feeds. One law professor at Georgetown University reported his video criticizing DHS warrant practices remained “under review” for nine hours, despite others publishing normally. These incidents fueled accusations that the app was unfairly limiting anti-ICE content, which TikTok has denied, attributing the problems to a power outage at a US data center.
Oracle’s Role Under Scrutiny. Oracle, which holds a 15% stake in the new TikTok US entity, has hosted US user data since 2022 but declined to comment on the outage. The company’s ties to President Trump through its co-founder, Larry Ellison, and his son’s influence at Paramount Skydance raise further questions about potential political interference. Some users expressed fears that Oracle’s involvement would mirror alleged biases in its news operations, such as at CBS News, where conservative changes have been criticized.
Users Flee the Platform. The outage has prompted some users to delete their accounts entirely. One user on Bluesky declared the situation “UNACCEPTABLE!” and cited concerns about the “Ellison empire.” Actress Megan Stalter also announced she was deleting TikTok after being unable to upload a video about ICE, urging others to do the same. The incident highlights growing distrust in the platform’s ability to remain neutral under its new ownership.
Uncertain Future. TikTok USDS Joint Venture, the new corporate entity, has launched a website and updated its privacy policy to reflect increased data collection. However, details on how the app will function remain murky. Some job listings appeared before the Joint Venture was publicly announced, raising questions about the true distinction between the new and existing US operations.
The outage underscores the complex challenges of securing TikTok under US control. While intended to alleviate security concerns, the situation has instead heightened anxieties about censorship, political influence, and the future of free expression on the platform.
