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California Governor Gavin Newsom has raised serious concerns about TikTok’s content moderation practices, alleging that the platform is actively suppressing material critical of former President Donald Trump. This accusation comes as Newsom has initiated a formal review of TikTok’s operations, seeking to determine if the platform has breached any state laws. This follows a recent deal involving TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, aimed at easing fears over user data security.
Content Moderation Under Scrutiny
Newsom’s office made the bold allegation on social media, stating that reports had surfaced confirming instances of content suppression targeted at Trump. “Following TikTok’s sale to a Trump-aligned business group, our office has received reports, and independently confirmed instances, of suppressed content critical of President Trump,” the statement read, although it did not provide further details.
As part of his review, Newsom has called upon the California Department of Justice to investigate these claims. This move reflects the growing scrutiny over social media platforms and their influence on political discourse, especially given TikTok’s significant user base of over 200 million Americans.
TikTok’s Response
In light of the accusations, a representative from TikTok’s newly formed joint venture in the US has pointed to a recent technical failure as the root cause of the issues raised. The spokesperson explained that a major power outage at a data centre had led to a cascading systems failure, affecting user experience with slower load times and difficulties in posting content. They stressed that the problems were purely technical, asserting, “It would be inaccurate to report that this is anything but the technical issues we’ve transparently confirmed.”
Despite this explanation, many users have reported irregularities, claiming their videos have been flagged or removed without clear justification. Notably, law professor Steve Vladeck mentioned that a video he produced discussing immigration enforcement had been placed “under review,” which only adds to the controversy surrounding the platform’s moderation practices.
The Political Landscape
The clash between Newsom and Trump is emblematic of a larger narrative in American politics. The two figures, representing opposing parties, have consistently been at odds, and this latest dispute over TikTok underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding media influence and censorship. Experts in technology ethics, like Casey Fiesler from the University of Colorado, have expressed concern regarding the trustworthiness of TikTok’s new ownership structure, especially in light of these recent allegations.
Last week, TikTok announced a significant deal to establish a majority US-owned joint venture designed to appease concerns about data security and privacy risks. This move was perceived positively by Trump, who has a substantial following on the app and credits it with aiding his political resurgence in the 2024 election.
A New Era for TikTok
The joint venture allows American and global investors to secure an 80.1% stake, with ByteDance retaining a 19.9% interest. Major players in the venture include Oracle, Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi-based MGX, each holding a 15% stake. This strategic partnership was approved by both the US and Chinese governments, marking a significant step forward for TikTok amid its fraught relationship with regulators.
Why it Matters
The unfolding drama surrounding TikTok highlights the critical intersection of technology, politics, and public trust. As social media platforms increasingly shape public discourse, accusations of censorship can have profound implications for democracy and free speech. Newsom’s review of TikTok not only raises questions about the platform’s content moderation practices but also signals a broader scrutiny of how digital platforms navigate political allegiances and user rights. As consumers, we must remain vigilant about who controls the narratives we see online, for they are, undoubtedly, shaping the very fabric of our society.
