TikTok Accused of Silencing Trump and Epstein Content – The Business Standard

Sunday
February 08, 2026
TikTok is facing a growing backlash after users accused the platform of quietly suppressing content linked to Donald Trump, ICE enforcement, and even the word Epstein. What was initially described as a technical issue has quickly evolved into a major debate about censorship, political influence, and who truly controls what goes viral online.
Creators across the United States report that their videos have suddenly stopped appearing in searches, while engagement has dropped overnight. TikTok insists the disruptions were caused by system glitches during its US transition. But critics are questioning the timing, especially after Trump-aligned investors finalised control of the platform’s American operations just days earlier.
The controversy has now spilt into politics. California authorities are examining whether political speech was unfairly restricted, raising serious legal and ethical questions for one of the world’s most powerful social media platforms. Meanwhile, trust in TikTok’s algorithm is being tested like never before as users begin to leave for rival apps promising transparency.
Is this a genuine tech failure or something far more deliberate?
Watch the full video to understand what is really happening behind the screen and why this moment could reshape the future of free speech online.
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