TikTok Blocks ‘Epstein,’ Faces Censorship, 150% Deletion Spike

• Allegations of TikTok censorship ignite concerns over content suppression.
• Technical issues and new terms of service drive a 150% surge in app deletions.

TikTok’s recent acquisition by a consortium led by Larry Ellison's Oracle on January 22, 2026, has plunged the platform into controversy, igniting claims of censorship, technical disruptions, and user dissatisfaction. Following allegations of suppressed content critical of President Donald Trump, California Governor Gavin Newsom has launched an investigation into whether TikTok violated state content moderation laws.

Claims of censorship have taken center stage after reports from Forbes and Engadget on January 27, 2026. TikTok's U.S.-based entity allegedly began blocking direct messages containing the word “Epstein,” sparking a wave of backlash among users. The reports highlighted frustrations over perceived suppression of content critical of political figures, including President Donald Trump, a topic underscored by concerns about the influence of the new ownership group, which includes Trump allies. Governor Newsom, responding to these claims, announced an investigation to determine if TikTok’s policies infringe on California law. While a TikTok spokesperson acknowledged the blocking issue involving the term “Epstein,” they denied any deliberate censorship, stating that the incident is under investigation.

Simultaneously, the platform has been plagued by significant technical disruptions. On January 27, 2026, both Tom's Guide and W.Media reported widespread outages, with users experiencing zero video views, slow loading times, and an inability to upload new content. TikTok attributed these issues to an infrastructure failure stemming from a power outage at a U.S. data center partner, causing a cascading systems breakdown that has yet to be fully resolved.

Adding to these challenges, user dissatisfaction has led to a sharp rise in app deletions. According to Tom's Guide, Sensor Tower data revealed a 150% increase in daily uninstallations in the United States within five days of the acquisition, compared to the previous three-month average. A report from Morning Brew on January 24, 2026, cited new terms of service implemented under the new ownership as a major driver of user unease, contributing further to the exodus.

Facing allegations of political censorship, ongoing technical difficulties, and a dramatic spike in user abandonment, TikTok’s transition under its new ownership remains fraught with challenges. Governor Newsom's investigation, alongside mounting public discontent, will likely intensify scrutiny of the platform as it navigates this turbulent period.