TikTok is facing scrutiny from government officials and digital rights advocates after thousands of users reported that the platform was preventing them from sending the word 'Epstein' in direct messages. This development surfaced shortly after its US business was transferred to a consortium of mostly American investors with close ties to President Donald Trump.
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a review of the situation, asserting that the pattern of user complaints could indicate unlawful suppression of content critical of political actors. His office cited reports and shared screenshots showing automated warnings when users attempted to send the name 'Epstein', a reference to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
