TikTok says power outage behind Epstein, ICE censorship claims for U.S. app

TikTok's U.S. app, now predominantly owned by American investors, has attributed a recent series of technical issues and content disruptions to a power outage at one of its data centers. This response comes amid allegations that the platform was censoring political discourse, particularly concerning controversial figures and topics. Users have reported ongoing problems with their accounts since the app began operating under a new U.S.-led joint venture, following intense scrutiny over its previous Chinese ownership. In a politically charged atmosphere, numerous complaints have surfaced, accusing TikTok of silencing specific political views, including references to the name 'Epstein' in private messages. While CNBC confirmed that messages containing 'Epstein' generated an error message, it could not validate the broader claims of censorship. A spokesperson for TikTok's joint venture clarified that the platform does not block the name 'Epstein' and is currently investigating the issues affecting some users. The controversy is particularly sensitive due to the ongoing investigations by the Department of Justice into Jeffrey Epstein, a deceased financier and convicted sex offender, with the release of related documents still pending. Adding to the scrutiny, California Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted reports of suppressed content that criticizes President Trump. His office announced a review to assess whether TikTok's actions breach California law, though no evidence was provided to substantiate these claims. Meanwhile, users have taken to social media to share instances where their videos were marked as 'Ineligible for Recommendation,' alleging that TikTok has started censoring content critical of Trump and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The political ramifications of ICE's operations, particularly following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis, have heightened public discourse and scrutiny of the agency. In response to the backlash, TikTok acknowledged the ongoing infrastructure challenges, stating that while systems have been restored, users may continue to experience bugs and slow load times. The platform reassured creators that temporary view counts and likes may appear as zero due to server issues. Regarding the claims of content suppression related to ICE, a TikTok spokesperson affirmed that videos documenting the Minnesota incident have been accessible on the platform since the weekend. However, users have reported that direct messages containing 'Epstein' fail to send, receiving an error indicating a potential violation of community guidelines. This situation unfolds against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny over TikTok's operations in the U.S., especially after a challenging year that nearly saw the app's shutdown due to national security concerns. Following a Supreme Court ruling, TikTok announced a joint venture to continue operating in the U.S., with ByteDance retaining a minority stake while American and global investors control the majority. Key stakeholders include Oracle and Silver Lake, among others, highlighting a significant shift in ownership dynamics that may impact the platform's future.