TikTok's U.S. Operations Face Scrutiny Amidst Ownership Change and User Concerns
TikTok's U.S. operations have faced a tumultuous period following its transfer to new owners, a move prompted by government concerns. The transition, intended to address national security issues, has instead led to user frustration and questions about censorship and content moderation, according to Vox.
In January, TikTok's U.S. operations were formally separated from its global business and placed under a new joint venture, Fortune reported. Oracle, the enterprise software giant, now holds a major stake and is responsible for American user data and a U.S.-run version of TikTok's recommendation algorithm. This shift capped years of political pressure and was framed as a national security victory.
However, many young users view the change as a beloved app becoming an instrument of corporate and political power, Fortune noted. Some Gen Z creators in the U.S. are reportedly rebelling against TikTok by installing alternative apps built by former Oracle employees.
According to Vox, it has been a mess ever since the transfer of ownership. David Pierce, The Verge's editor-at-large, stated on the Today, Explained podcast that what's happening on TikTok is "less about censorship and more about normal internet problems."
The situation remains fluid, with users and observers closely monitoring TikTok's content moderation policies and algorithm to determine the extent of the new ownership's influence.
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