Preliminary findings by the European Commission suggest TikTok’s design, featuring elements like infinite scroll and personalized recommendations, may place users’ brains into “autopilot mode,” potentially leading to compulsive behavior. The commission alleges these “addictive features” violate EU law by failing to adequately assess harm to users, including minors. TikTok has strongly denied these accusations, calling them “categorically false” and vowing to challenge the findings, which could result in significant fines if confirmed under the Digital Services Act.
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Following the announcement of a new joint venture to manage TikTok’s U.S. operations, user uninstalls have surged. Sensor Tower reported a nearly 150% increase in average daily app deletions over the last five days. The joint venture introduced a new privacy policy that prompted some users to express concerns on social media. Despite the updated policy containing similar language as an archived version from August 2024, the announcement has resulted in a demonstrable change in user sentiment, leading to more deletions.
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Comedian Megan Stalter and other TikTok users reported difficulties uploading videos critical of ICE, leading to accusations of censorship. These issues arose around the same time a new joint venture, partly owned by Oracle with ties to the Trump administration, took control of TikTok’s US operations. While TikTok attributed the glitches to a power outage, the timing of the issues raised concerns about content moderation and data security among users. Experts like Casey Fiesler highlight the lack of trust in social media platforms and the potential for perceived censorship, especially given the platform’s changing ownership.
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TikTok users in the US have reported issues with the platform, specifically being unable to use the word “Epstein” in messages, alongside claims of censorship regarding content about ICE raids and protests. These issues arose shortly after TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, was forced to divest a majority stake to US investors. California Governor Gavin Newsom is launching a review into whether TikTok is violating state law by censoring Trump-critical content, while the platform attributes the problems to a “major infrastructure” issue caused by a power outage. The Independent has reached out to TikTok for further clarification on the issues and how the ownership change will impact content moderation.
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A new U.S. company, TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, has been established to ensure TikTok’s continued availability in the U.S., with a group of investors backed by former President Trump owning the majority stake. ByteDance, the Chinese-based owner, will retain a 19.9% stake, while Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX are major investors in the U.S. operation. This deal, brokered by the Trump administration, aims to protect national security through data protection and algorithm security. The company will also house U.S. user data in Oracle’s cloud environment.
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A Dallas TikTok user was terminated from her job at the Hilton Anatole after posting a viral video alleging the presence of ICE agents at the hotel. The user, identified only as Gia, expressed concerns about potential family separations and detentions, while also sharing video footage of unmarked cars leaving the hotel. Following the posting of her video, Gia was fired by Towne Park, the hotel’s third-party valet company, after refusing to remove the content. This event has generated both controversy and calls for boycotts, mirroring a similar incident where a Minnesota hotel lost its Hilton affiliation for allegedly refusing to accommodate ICE.
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The European Commission is investigating TikTok’s compliance with EU rules after Poland raised concerns about AI-generated videos advocating for a “Polexit.” Polish officials allege these videos, featuring young women in national symbols, constitute a coordinated disinformation campaign and a threat to public order and democratic processes. The Commission has already requested information from TikTok regarding its measures to address AI-related risks. Polish authorities believe the videos are likely Russian disinformation, due to their message and linguistic indicators, which could violate the Digital Services Act.
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The Shopping Trends team has identified a potential area of interest for CTV News viewers, focusing on consumer shopping habits. This team, separate from CTV News journalists, reviews various products and services to highlight noteworthy trends. Readers should be aware that the Shopping Trends team may receive commissions from purchases made through provided links. Further information about the team’s operations is available in the “Read about us” section.
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TikTok CEO Shou Chew informed employees of an agreement to spin off its US assets into a new entity with primarily American investors. This move, which comes after a law mandated divestiture from parent company ByteDance, aims to secure TikTok’s future in the US. The joint venture will be 50% owned by a group including Oracle and Silver Lake, with ByteDance retaining nearly 20% ownership. The deal, which includes data storage and content moderation by the new entity, is expected to close by January 22, 2026, pending approvals from both the US and Chinese governments.
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Recent investigations have revealed a concerning trend of AI-generated deepfake videos on platforms like TikTok, manipulating the likeness of doctors and influencers to promote health supplements and spread misinformation. Fact-checking organization Full Fact uncovered numerous videos featuring impersonated health experts, directing viewers to a supplements firm called Wellness Nest. These deepfakes utilize existing footage, altering both the visual and audio elements to endorse the company’s products. The discovery has ignited calls for social media platforms to strengthen their vigilance against AI-generated content, and to swiftly remove any content that misrepresents individuals.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
TikTok Users Report Anti-ICE Video Censorship, Company Cites “Tech Issues”
Comedian Megan Stalter and other TikTok users reported difficulties uploading videos critical of ICE, leading to accusations of censorship. These issues arose around the same time a new joint venture, partly owned by Oracle with ties to the Trump administration, took control of TikTok’s US operations. While TikTok attributed the glitches to a power outage, the timing of the issues raised concerns about content moderation and data security among users. Experts like Casey Fiesler highlight the lack of trust in social media platforms and the potential for perceived censorship, especially given the platform’s changing ownership.
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