TikTok users have reported massive outages and issues with the social media platform shortly after a U.S. deal was finalized. The news comes as some users claim they are unable to upload content about ICE, while TikTok’s new terms include gathering information about users’ immigration status and sexual orientation.
TikTok users are reporting massive bugs across the platform
TikTok users started reporting bugs across the platform last weekend. Shortly before 4 a.m. on Sunday, over 36,000 reports were filed, according to Downdetector. This number decreased to 4,689 users by 2:42 p.m. the same day.
Users reported a range of issues, including not being able to sign into their TikTok accounts, lagging, not being able to repost videos, noticing a less curated feed and seeing already viewed videos.
An error message appeared when trying to access the Help Center, according to The Pensacola News Journal: “Something went wrong. Try again later.” Another similar message appeared when trying to view TikTok’s new terms of service: “An error occurred while processing your request.”
TikTok addressed issues with the platform on Monday
“Since yesterday we’ve been working to restore our services following a power outage at a U.S. data center impacting TikTok and other apps we operate,” the TikTok USDS Joint Venture wrote in a statement posted on X. “We’re working with our data center partner to stabilize our service. We’re sorry for this disruption and hope to resolve it soon.”
Similar issues with the platform started being reported in December. Those came shortly after TikTok signed a deal to have its U.S. entity controlled by American investors. At the time, there was nothing to suggest that the issues were tied to the agreement found between TikTok and the U.S., Blavity previously reported.
The agreement closed on Thursday. This means companies Oracle, Silver Lake and Abu Dhabi-based MGX now own 45% of TikTok’s U.S. entity. They are now responsible for U.S. data protection, algorithm security, content moderation and software assurance.
Some TikTok users are claiming their content criticizing ICE is being restricted
Some users claim TikTok’s new ownership has led to censorship across the platform, notably regarding videos criticizing ICE. Meg Stalter, who stars in the TV show Hacks, said she would be deleting her TikTok account due to being “under new ownership and we are being completely censored and monitored.” She said in an Instagram post that she has been “unable to upload anything” about ICE operations, “even after I tried to trick the page by making it look like a comedy video.”
Producer Finneas made a similar claim. He said on Instagram that a video in which he spoke about ICE had been “shadowbanned” on TikTok, according to Variety.
TikTok introduced new terms and conditions on Thursday, the same day the U.S. agreement closed.
“We’re updating our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy (both as linked) effective January 22, 2026, to reflect changes including our updated corporate entity,” the TikTok website read, according to The Pensacola News Journal. “By clicking below, you agree to these changes. If you are under 18, you also confirm that your parent or guardian has reviewed them with you and agreed to them.”
The revised terms now include some of TikTok users’ personal information, including their “sexual life or sexual orientation, status as transgender or nonbinary, citizenship or immigration status,” TechCrunch reported.
Gavin Newsom says he’s ordering a review on if TikTok is suppressing anti-Trump content
California Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote on X, “It’s time to investigate. I am launching a review into whether TikTok is violating state law by censoring Trump-critical content.”
His office confirmed to Deadline, “TikTok’s sale to a Trump-aligned business group, our office has received reports — and independently confirmed instances — of suppressed content critical of President Trump.”
Meanwhile, TikTok told Deadline, “It would be inaccurate to report that this is anything but the technical issues we’ve publicly confirmed.”
The post What’s Going On With TikTok? Bugs, Outages Reported As Users Allege Censorship About ICE And More After US Deal Finalized appeared first on Blavity.
