TikTok, the wildly popular short-video app owned by China’s ByteDance, is under fire from U.S. users. Many claim the platform now feels censored and heavily moderated after its temporary ban was lifted. The app had gone dark due to national security concerns but was revived by an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump. However, users say TikTok hasn’t been the same since its return.
Fewer livestreams, stricter guidelines
TikTok users are noticing drastic changes. They report fewer livestreams and stricter enforcement of community guidelines. Content once deemed acceptable is now flagged or removed. Some say even harmless phrases like “Free Palestine” or “Free Luigi”—a nod to accused criminal Luigi Mangione—are being struck down.
TikTok acknowledged the disruptions, telling users on Tuesday:
“While we’re restoring our services in the U.S., some features may be temporarily unstable or unavailable. We’re working hard to resolve this issue.”
But for many, the issue runs deeper. Content creators see more warnings, limited search results, and prompts urging users to verify information.
Videos flagged, creators silenced
Content creators are feeling the pinch. Comedian and veteran Pat Loller, with 1.3 million followers, is one of them. His satirical video about Elon Musk’s controversial gesture at an inauguration was flagged as misinformation. TikTok limited how widely it could be shared, even though it gained over a million views.
“I’ve never seen this before,” Loller said. “It says ‘sharing is limited to one chat at a time.’ It’s still there.”
Trump’s role and Musk’s potential interest
On Monday, Trump signed an executive order aimed at restoring free speech on social media. He’s also open to billionaire Elon Musk purchasing TikTok. Musk, a close ally of Trump, is helping oversee the former president’s new government efficiency initiative.
Meanwhile, TikTok user Lisa Cline took to Meta’s Threads to vent her frustrations. She struggled to post a video criticizing Trump on TikTok.
“I tried six times, and it wouldn’t let me because of censorship,” she wrote.
High-profile suspensions spark outrage
The crackdown has hit major creators. Political commentator Danisha Carter, with 2 million followers, lost her account entirely. When she tried to log in after the ban was lifted, she was told her account had been permanently suspended for “multiple policy violations.”
Carter believes the move was politically motivated. Her last livestream criticized tech billionaires for their influence on U.S. elections and businesses.
“This feels targeted,” she said. TikTok refused to explain the decision.
Random strikes raise concerns
Ada “Mila” Ortiz, a data analyst and creator, also felt the sting. She received multiple strikes for harmless comments.
“It was so sudden and random,” Ortiz said. “I felt like they were trying to push me out.”
Ortiz deleted 15 videos that supported Vice President Kamala Harris and criticized Trump. She didn’t want to risk further action.
Widespread unease among users
The changes on TikTok have sparked debates about censorship and freedom of speech. Many users believe the platform’s stricter moderation reflects political pressures and outside influence.
As the app continues to recover, creators and users alike are left wondering: Is this the new normal for TikTok in America?
