Summary
TikTok users reported that searches for anti-Trump content, such as “Donald Trump rigged election,” returned “No results found” messages in the U.S., while the same searches worked abroad.
Users demonstrated via VPNs that the restrictions seem specific to U.S. accounts, sparking accusations of censorship and claims TikTok is becoming “Trump’s propaganda arm.”
Some anti-Trump hashtags also appear blocked, while pro-Trump terms remain visible.
TikTok has not commented on the issue, fueling further concerns about free speech and potential political influence over the platform.
TikTok is not bootlicking. They’re manipulating him.
That’s not how you spell “kowtowing”
TikTok is allegedly collecting data on Americans that Congress has collectively deemed a security threat. That being a main objective, giving Trump a few things in return (promoting him in the app dialog, censorship in his favor) is so that they can continue to do what they do.
Trump is easily manipulated by strongmen like Putin and Xi.
Manipulation, to me, implies either a lack of awareness or agency.
Trump knows exactly what’s going on. He has agency. This is not Xi manipulating Trump, this is Trump’s cognizant, free choice. He chose to ignore congress, ignore law and allow TikTok because it’s pro Trump, it’s that simple.
I’m sure the Chinese govt approves of all this and TikTok has an interest in staying alive, but no one is tricking Trump into this. He is doing this.
That’s a fair point. I guess I think of kowtowing like Tim Cook, who is really anything but MAGA, donating to the inauguration fund.