Oracle says data center outage causing issues faced by US TikTok users, and it’s certainly stirred up a lot of chatter. You know, when a major platform like TikTok experiences problems, and the explanation involves a data center outage, it naturally raises eyebrows. The core issue seems to be that users in the US are experiencing difficulties, and the initial explanation points to this specific technical problem.
Data center issues cause censorship? Interesting. Many people are questioning if a simple technical glitch is truly behind the problems, with some suggesting a different, more politically motivated explanation. The timing is also a point of contention, with the “outage” coinciding with sensitive events or specific types of content, like discussions about specific political figures or topics.… Continue reading
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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In addition to the main content, Bulwark+ offers “Bulwark+ Takes,” a feature providing concise news commentary from the entire team. This platform includes ad-free video shorts, exclusive livestreams for Bulwark+ members, and archives of live events. Recognizing the continuous nature of news, “Bulwark+ Takes” ensures constant engagement with current events.
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In a directive from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), FEMA staff have been instructed to avoid specific phrases, such as “watch out for ice,” due to potential misinterpretations and the risk of generating negative viral memes, given recent controversies surrounding ICE. An anonymous source explained that such phrases could be easily misused by the public. FEMA staff are reportedly encouraged to use alternative wording, like “freezing rain,” to communicate weather warnings, though a FEMA spokesperson has denied the report.
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Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem instructed “Face The Nation” host Margaret Brennan not to mention ICE agent Jonathan Ross’ name, citing concerns over “doxing” and an alleged rise in death threats against law enforcement. Despite Ross’ name being public, Noem insisted it shouldn’t be repeated, even though Brennan was inquiring about reports of internal bleeding. Noem’s statements followed a controversial incident where Ross fatally shot Renee Good, prompting scrutiny and debate over the use of force. Noem maintained Ross was healing and emphasized the need for law enforcement to carry out their duties safely without media criticism.
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Rogers stated that both the U.S. and the British Labour Party are open to considering restrictions on certain content. While Rogers framed President Trump and Vice President Vance as free speech advocates, their actions have often undermined the press and punished critics. The British Labour Party is considering criminalizing the creation of nonconsensual sexualized images, with potential legal consequences for platforms like X that provide the tools for their creation.
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Today marks the deadline for the Smithsonian Institution to submit documents regarding current and upcoming exhibitions to the White House for review, as mandated by an executive order. The White House is scrutinizing the museums’ offerings to ensure they do not express “improper ideology,” and the institution’s federal funding is contingent on compliance. Initial correspondence was initiated in August with a call for a comprehensive review, and despite some initial submissions, the White House is now demanding further documentation. Concerns regarding the Smithsonian’s portrayal of American history and its potential impact on the upcoming 250th-anniversary celebrations are also highlighted in the December letter.
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Cloudflare’s CEO has threatened to withdraw services from Italy after receiving a fine from the nation’s communications regulator, AGCOM, for violating anti-piracy regulations. AGCOM, enforcing Italy’s “Piracy Shield” law, requested that Cloudflare block certain sites, which it allegedly failed to do, leading to a fine of one percent of its annual revenue. In response, the CEO criticized AGCOM’s actions as censorship and a threat to democratic values, vowing to appeal the fine and potentially remove all services from Italy, including free services to the upcoming Winter Olympics. The CEO has also stated he will bring the issue to the attention of the Trump administration, while also stating that he would be open to a dialogue to resolve the issues.
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The National Portrait Gallery removed references to Donald Trump’s two impeachments from his portrait’s description after pressure from the White House. The gallery replaced an image and accompanying text detailing the impeachments with a simpler display of his dates in office. This change aligns with the Trump administration’s broader efforts to purge “woke” ideology from cultural institutions, as evidenced by previous complaints and attempts to influence the Smithsonian. While other presidential portraits retain more detailed descriptions, this move raises questions about the gallery’s commitment to historical accuracy and objectivity.
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Matt Underwood 
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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