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.

  • @Maggoty
    link
    -55 hours ago

    Because there’s a conspiracy theory that Trump rigged the 2024 elections because Star Link. Which is nonsensical to anyone with a knowledge of networking.

    The article also goes on to make broader claims though which my screenshot disproves are even happening.

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      23 hours ago

      Because there’s a conspiracy theory that Trump rigged the 2024 elections because Star Link. Which is nonsensical to anyone with a knowledge of networking.

      Maybe it was. Isn’t he the one to issue EO against Government mandated censorship. So why censor any conspiracy theories now?

      • @Maggoty
        link
        110 minutes ago

        Because they decided to actually try responsibility?

    • @jordanlundM
      link
      105 hours ago

      Oh, I’m not even going to touch the conspiracy nonsense, I’m more interested in the search engine disparity and why it’s suddenly “fixed” after it went public.

      IIRC there were similar issues with Google a few years ago, I’m fuzzy on the details. Search disparity between countries that was somehow “solved” after it was exposed. Or maybe it was search suggestions? Something like that.

      • @Maggoty
        link
        14 hours ago

        I mean it was “fixed” because they got embarrassed.

    • @hackitfast
      link
      English
      23 hours ago

      I’ve never heard this and wouldn’t have believed it even if I did.

      • @Maggoty
        link
        2
        edit-2
        11 minutes ago

        Like I said it’s nonsensical. Supposedly a special starlink satellite was used. Which makes as much sense as saying a special router was used.

    • bitwolf
      link
      fedilink
      English
      02 hours ago

      Yeah, we all know it was manipulating the tabulators, not Starlink /s.

      Point is, the censorship shouldn’t be exclusive by region. It’s not TikToks job to censor. It’s their job to spoonfeed content.

      • @Maggoty
        link
        17 minutes ago

        They absolutely should be helping to stop the spread of misinformation. We rag on Social Media for amplifying misinformation all the time and now suddenly it’s a bad thing to stop it?