After a whirlwind 14-hour ban in the U.S. on January 19, 2025, TikTok resumed operations under an executive order from President Donald Trump, who vowed to “restore free speech” 24. However, the app’s return has been met with skepticism. Many users claim TikTok now feels fundamentally different, with reports of increased content moderation, restricted features, and politically targeted suspensions
The Ban and Unban Timeline: A Quick Recap
- Origins of the Ban:
TikTok faced bipartisan scrutiny over national security concerns during the Biden administration, culminating in a law requiring its sale to a U.S. buyer. When parent company ByteDance failed to comply, the app was banned on January 19 28. - Trump’s Intervention:
The ban was reversed just 14 hours later after Trump signed an executive order, citing efforts to end “social media censorship” 24. - Ongoing Uncertainty:
While TikTok claims its policies and algorithms remain unchanged, users report instability and stricter moderation post-revival
User Reports: A Platform Transformed?
1. Increased Content Moderation
- Flagged Activities: Users note higher rates of removed posts, even for previously permitted behavior. Phrases like “Free Palestine” and “Free Luigi” (referencing a controversial figure) are now flagged 48.
- Misinformation Warnings: Satirical content, such as comedian Pat Loller’s video critiquing Elon Musk’s gesture, was labeled “misinformation” and restricted to limited sharing 48.
2. Political Targeting Allegations
- Account Suspensions: Political commentator Danisha Carter (2M followers) was permanently banned post-unban, allegedly for criticizing tech executives’ influence on U.S. politics 48.
- Anti-Trump Content Blocked: Lisa Cline reported repeated failures to upload a video criticizing Trump’s response to a religious leader’s plea for mercy 85.
3. Algorithmic Shifts
- Reduced Visibility: Pro-Harris and anti-Trump content creators like Ada Ortiz faced sudden strikes and warnings, prompting deletions of 15+ videos 85.
- Search Limitations: Users report narrowed search results and prompts to “verify sources,” suggesting tighter control over discourse
TikTok’s Response vs. User Skepticism
TikTok maintains that no policy changes occurred during the ban and attributes disruptions to “temporary instability” during service restoration 48. However, creators argue the timing of suspensions and moderation patterns point to political bias, especially given Trump’s vocal opposition to “Big Tech censorship
Implications for Free Speech and Platform Governance
- The “Free Speech” Paradox:
While Trump’s order aimed to curb censorship, users allege the app now suppresses dissent more aggressively, raising questions about corporate-political collusion 48. - Global Precedent:
The U.S. saga mirrors TikTok’s struggles in other regions, highlighting the challenges of balancing national security, free expression, and corporate accountability