URGENT UPDATE: California Governor Gavin Newsom has just accused TikTok of suppressing content that criticizes former President Donald Trump, prompting an immediate review of the platform’s content moderation practices. This announcement, made on July 10, 2023, could have significant implications for the app’s operations in the U.S., where it is used by over 200 million Americans.
Newsom’s office revealed that they have received reports of suppressed content since TikTok’s recent sale to a Trump-aligned business group. “Our office has confirmed instances of suppressed content critical of President Trump,” the statement read, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Newsom is calling on the California Department of Justice to investigate whether these practices violate state law.
This accusation follows the announcement by TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, that it has finalized a deal establishing a majority U.S.-owned joint venture, aimed at securing U.S. user data and preventing a potential ban on the platform. The deal, known as TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, will see American and global investors hold 80.1% of the venture, with ByteDance maintaining a 19.9% stake. Key players in this partnership include cloud computing giant Oracle, private equity group Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi-based investment firm MGX, each owning 15%.
The implications of this review are profound, particularly given the backdrop of previous U.S. government scrutiny over TikTok’s ties to China and concerns over national security. A White House official confirmed that both the U.S. and Chinese governments had signed off on the deal, marking a pivotal moment for TikTok after years of regulatory battles.
The urgency of Newsom’s review is underscored by the ongoing political tensions between him and Trump, who have been vocal adversaries. Trump, who boasts over 16 million followers on TikTok, has credited the platform with aiding his campaign for the 2024 election.
As this situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the California Department of Justice and what findings may emerge from this review. Will TikTok’s content moderation come under fire for alleged bias, and how will this impact its vast user base? The stakes are high, and the potential fallout could reshape the landscape of social media in the U.S.
Stay tuned for more updates as we monitor this developing story.
