TikTok's US Algorithm Shift Sparks Censorship Fears Among Users
In the digital age, censorship is evolving beyond traditional suppression of speech. Rather than silencing voices directly, modern censorship increasingly revolves around controlling the visibility and reach of content through powerful algorithms. This subtle yet profound shift is now at the forefront of concerns as TikTok implements a new US-specific algorithm under a restructured operational framework.
The New US Algorithm and Ownership Changes
Control over TikTok's US operations has recently transferred to the TikTok USDS joint venture, led by a consortium of investors that includes major US technology firms like Oracle. The Chinese parent company ByteDance retains a minority stake of 19.9%. This arrangement was designed to comply with US legislation introduced under former President Joe Biden, ostensibly to protect user data and prevent potential political interference from China.
However, this transition has sparked significant anxiety among TikTok's 200 million US users. Many fear that former President Donald Trump and his political allies could exploit algorithmic control to achieve precisely what China was accused of doing: manipulating political discourse by suppressing content critical of Trump and his international partners.
Reports of Suspicious Malfunctions
Over recent days, numerous US TikTok users have reported concerning technical issues that appear suspiciously timed with the algorithm change. These reported malfunctions include:
- Videos covering controversial topics, such as the killing of Alex Pretti by a federal agent, remaining under prolonged review
- Newly posted videos recording unexpectedly low view counts and engagement metrics
- Allegations that users cannot post messages containing specific keywords like "Epstein"
In response to these user reports, California Governor Gavin Newsom has called for a review of TikTok's algorithm to determine whether it complies with state laws. Meanwhile, app store data indicates that many users are deleting TikTok and turning to alternative platforms.
Corporate Responses and Technical Explanations
TikTok USDS has acknowledged experiencing disruptions but vehemently denies any political motivation behind these issues. The company attributes the problems to a power outage at an Oracle data center that triggered cascading systems failures. While this technical explanation may account for some irregularities, comprehensive assessment of the algorithm's effects will require time and careful observation.
The proprietary nature of TikTok's algorithm complicates independent verification. Researchers must rely on reverse engineering techniques, comparing which types of content perform better or worse through systematic observation rather than direct access to the algorithm's inner workings.
Political Connections and Potential Influence
Donald Trump has long sought greater influence over TikTok, recognizing its growing importance as a conduit for political propaganda. The former president credited the platform with contributing to his surprising 2024 election victory. Many investors in the new TikTok joint venture maintain strong connections with Trump and the global right-wing movement.
Oracle CEO Larry Ellison is known for his staunch support of Trump and has expanded his media influence through mergers like Skydance Media with Paramount, potentially extending control over CBS News and other major networks. The CEO of the new TikTok joint venture, Adam Presser, has publicly stated that references to Zionism should be considered hate speech, a position that aligns with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's expressed satisfaction with the new TikTok arrangement.
Algorithmic Influence on Content Visibility
The new US-specific algorithm represents a significant shift from global to US-focused data training. This transition creates opportunities to introduce biases that could reinforce conservative viewpoints while marginalizing minority perspectives. The algorithm may effectively isolate US political debates from global conversations, creating an insular information environment.
Changes to content moderation practices are already emerging, with award-winning Palestinian journalist Bisan Owda reporting a permanent ban from the platform this week. However, the most consequential alterations may involve how algorithms serve content to users rather than outright bans. As demonstrated by Facebook's 2018 adoption of the meaningful social interaction framework—which down-ranked public and news content while prioritizing angry reactions—seemingly technical adjustments to feed algorithms can profoundly reshape political discourse.
Rethinking Free Speech in the Algorithmic Era
As scholars Kai Riemer and Sandra Peter have observed, algorithms increasingly "interfere with free speech on the audience side," necessitating a fundamental reconsideration of how we conceptualize public debate in the digital age. The crucial question is no longer simply what we can or cannot say, but whether our words can achieve any meaningful visibility against the political climate imposed by those controlling platform algorithms.
While right-wing billionaires often position themselves as champions of free speech, their expanding control over both traditional and digital media creates a pervasive grip on public discourse. This influence operates through often invisible mechanisms, making it particularly insidious. Unless society reclaims control over media and social platforms, we risk descending into an information landscape dominated by a handful of sources and pervasive algorithmic throttling—experiencing censorship in a new, technologically sophisticated guise without fully recognizing its presence.
