In a bold move that has captured the attention of social media users, actress and comedian Megan Stalter has announced her departure from TikTok, alleging the platform is stifling her content related to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Stalter’s decision comes amid escalating protests against ICE, following the tragic deaths of two individuals in Minneapolis involving federal agents.
Censorship Allegations
Stalter took to Instagram, expressing her frustrations with TikTok’s new ownership, stating that the app has become a tool for censorship. “I’m unable to upload anything about ICE even after I tried to trick the page by making it look like a comedy video. Let’s delete the app, love you,” she wrote, signalling her discontent with the platform’s restrictions on her posts.
The comedian’s concerns are echoed by several other creators. Billie Eilish, for instance, shared a video on her Instagram, originally posted by her brother Finneas, which he claimed had reached zero viewers. “TikTok is silencing people btw,” Eilish remarked, highlighting the growing unrest among users regarding perceived content suppression.
TikTok’s Technical Troubles
In a statement released on its X account, TikTok’s USDS Joint Venture addressed ongoing technical issues stemming from a recent power outage at a US data centre. The outage triggered a “cascading systems failure,” affecting TikTok and various other applications. Users have reported experiencing bugs, slower load times, and issues with viewing and engagement metrics.
While TikTok reassured its community that actual data and engagement figures remain intact, creators have expressed concern about the visibility of their content during this disruption. The company is currently working with its data centre partners to rectify these issues and stabilise service.
The Broader Context of Protests
Stalter’s decision to leave TikTok does not exist in a vacuum. The recent protests against ICE, ignited by two fatal incidents involving federal agents, have sparked a nationwide dialogue about immigration enforcement and accountability. On 7 January, Renée Nicole Good was killed while driving, and Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was shot on 24 January as tensions escalated between agents and civilians. The circumstances surrounding these events have led to widespread outrage and calls for justice.
Despite claims from the Trump administration that the agents acted in self-defence, many protesters dispute these assertions, citing video evidence that suggests otherwise. The escalating unrest has prompted individuals like Stalter to voice their opposition through social media, only to find themselves facing barriers to expression.
TikTok’s New Ownership and Future
Last week, TikTok’s parent company, Bytedance, finalised a majority American-owned joint venture, which allows the platform to operate in the US under stricter national security safeguards. This deal marks an end to years of uncertainty regarding TikTok’s future in America, as officials have previously raised concerns about the potential for the platform’s algorithm to be manipulated by foreign powers. However, concrete proof of such interference has yet to be presented.
Why it Matters
Stalter’s exit from TikTok underscores a critical moment in the ongoing conversation about free speech, content moderation, and the role of social media in political discourse. As the platform grapples with both technical failures and allegations of censorship, users are left questioning the integrity of digital spaces that should serve as forums for open dialogue. The intersection of social media, activism, and immigration policy is becoming increasingly significant, and the actions of creators like Stalter may inspire a broader movement towards transparency and accountability within these platforms.
