By Shantini Mogan
26th January 2025 : After President Donald Trump’s executive order revitalized TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, users who previously regarded the app as a haven for free speech report noticing signs of increased restriction. This shift comes in the wake of a new rule requiring TikTok to be sold to a U.S. buyer, passed during the Biden administration with bipartisan support over national security concerns. Several bidders, some with ties to the newly elected Republican president, are vying for ownership. Trump has pledged to resolve the app’s potential ban.
Users have reported seeing fewer live broadcasts and increased tagging or removal of certain activities on the platform. In a response to Reuters, TikTok clarified, “No changes were made to our policies or algorithms over the weekend. We anticipate some brief instability while we restore our services, which may affect TikTok features or users’ access to the app. We are working hard to get our U.S. operations back to normal.” Despite this, other users noted additional content controls, including reduced search results, warnings against false material, and reminders to verify sources.
Some users highlighted TikTok’s stricter monitoring of sensitive expressions such as “Free Palestine” and “Free Luigi,” a reference to Luigi Mangione, suspected of involvement in a high-profile crime. TikTok reaffirmed its policy that content promoting aggression or hostility is not allowed on the app.
Comedian and content creator Pat Loller, with 1.3 million followers, shared an example of increased content moderation. A satirical video he created mocking Elon Musk’s gesture at an inaugural event, which some interpreted as a Nazi salute, was initially flagged as false. Despite the video receiving over a million views, Loller’s ability to share it was restricted, limited to one chat at a time. “This is something I have never seen before, and it remains,” Loller remarked, noting the unusual level of control.
On Tuesday, Trump also announced Musk’s involvement in a government efficiency initiative, emphasizing Musk’s close ties to the administration and his role in managing the new effort.
