Trump-Approved TikTok Rollout Fails, Serving as Warning for Everyone
Late last month, ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, announced a significant restructuring. The company finalized a deal to transfer TikTok’s U.S. operations into a new entity that is predominantly owned by American interests. However, this transition has been marred by numerous issues.
TikTok’s Operational Challenges Following Restructuring
Within 48 hours of this change, users began experiencing various problems on the platform. Many prominent content creators reported a drastic decline in their reach. Videos that touched on sensitive topics, such as criticism of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and advocacy for Palestine, appeared to be disadvantaged by TikTok’s algorithm.
- Some users were unable to send messages containing the word “Epstein.”
- Bisan Owda, a recognized journalist from Gaza, faced account restrictions, prompting significant backlash.
- TikTok attributed these issues to a power outage at their data center and a technical glitch regarding direct messaging.
Account Restrictions and Responses
In response to concerns about Owda’s banned account, TikTok clarified that the issue stemmed from an impersonation flag that has since been lifted. Owda’s account has been reinstated, but the incident highlighted potential flaws in the platform’s moderation processes.
Moderation Policies Under Scrutiny
Amidst these challenges, a video of Adam Presser, the newly appointed CEO of TikTok U.S., gained traction. At a past event hosted by the World Jewish Congress, he addressed the platform’s moderation strategies. Notably, Presser indicated that the term “Zionist” could be classified as hate speech when used to harm others.
- Presser noted that TikTok had increased its banning of accounts involved in “hateful activity” threefold as of 2024.
- He mentioned collaboration with over two dozen Jewish organizations to monitor violative trends.
Lack of Transparency in Moderation Decisions
The rules concerning the term “Zionist” were implemented before Presser took office. Nevertheless, the recent events have underscored an ongoing concern: the lack of transparency in TikTok’s moderation policies. This opacity has contributed to growing skepticism and mistrust among users.
The recent TikTok rollout, backed by Trump, serves as a pivotal learning point as issues surface. As the platform navigates through these operational challenges, it remains to be seen how it addresses user concerns and restores confidence in its governance structures.
