US TikTok Users Reconsider Relationship with App Amid Privacy and Censorship Concerns
TikTok users in the US are increasingly questioning their loyalty to the platform after a recent shift in ownership and terms of service that has raised concerns about data collection, censorship, and trust. The new entity, formed through an investment deal between TikTok's parent company ByteDance and investors including Oracle, raises fears among some users about their digital rights.
Comedian Keara Sullivan, who boasts over half a million followers on the app, expressed her disappointment at having to consider abandoning the platform due to its lack of transparency and potential for censorship. "I'm not one of those creators who's a TikTok hater," she said, "but this new ownership change is really sad" - as it may affect her career trajectory that heavily relies on the app.
The decision to establish a new US-based entity was met with scrutiny five years after former President Donald Trump initially threatened to ban the platform in the country. The move seems aimed at mitigating potential regulatory issues, but has instead fueled concerns among users about data protection and freedom of expression.
Several TikTok users have taken to deleting the app following reports of technical issues and changes to terms of service. One user stated, "I trust Oracle and Ellison about as much as I trust eating a raw burger on a hot summer day." The concern extends beyond data collection; some creators fear their content is being censored or suppressed.
In response to these concerns, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced an investigation into whether TikTok's new ownership structure could be in violation of state laws. Similarly, comedian Meg Stalter wrote on Instagram that her video urging fellow Christians to speak out against ICE tactics was refused upload, prompting her decision to delete the app altogether.
These developments reflect growing unease among US-based users who previously relied heavily on TikTok for career advancement and entertainment purposes. With some creators now opting to distribute their content across multiple platforms or creating their own avenues, the shift signals a broader change in how people engage with social media. As one user said, "In the internet ecosphere, you kind of have to create these different avenues for yourself, because you can't rely on one platform."
TikTok has attributed technical issues to a power outage at its US datacenter and assured users that it will work to restore normal functionality as soon as possible. However, for many users, the decision remains clear: they must prioritize their own digital rights over the convenience of using a popular social media app like TikTok.
Data collected by Sensor Tower shows a significant increase in daily app deletion among US users since January 22nd compared to the previous period. The trend suggests that concerns about data collection and censorship may drive further decline in user engagement with the platform.
TikTok users in the US are increasingly questioning their loyalty to the platform after a recent shift in ownership and terms of service that has raised concerns about data collection, censorship, and trust. The new entity, formed through an investment deal between TikTok's parent company ByteDance and investors including Oracle, raises fears among some users about their digital rights.
Comedian Keara Sullivan, who boasts over half a million followers on the app, expressed her disappointment at having to consider abandoning the platform due to its lack of transparency and potential for censorship. "I'm not one of those creators who's a TikTok hater," she said, "but this new ownership change is really sad" - as it may affect her career trajectory that heavily relies on the app.
The decision to establish a new US-based entity was met with scrutiny five years after former President Donald Trump initially threatened to ban the platform in the country. The move seems aimed at mitigating potential regulatory issues, but has instead fueled concerns among users about data protection and freedom of expression.
Several TikTok users have taken to deleting the app following reports of technical issues and changes to terms of service. One user stated, "I trust Oracle and Ellison about as much as I trust eating a raw burger on a hot summer day." The concern extends beyond data collection; some creators fear their content is being censored or suppressed.
In response to these concerns, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced an investigation into whether TikTok's new ownership structure could be in violation of state laws. Similarly, comedian Meg Stalter wrote on Instagram that her video urging fellow Christians to speak out against ICE tactics was refused upload, prompting her decision to delete the app altogether.
These developments reflect growing unease among US-based users who previously relied heavily on TikTok for career advancement and entertainment purposes. With some creators now opting to distribute their content across multiple platforms or creating their own avenues, the shift signals a broader change in how people engage with social media. As one user said, "In the internet ecosphere, you kind of have to create these different avenues for yourself, because you can't rely on one platform."
TikTok has attributed technical issues to a power outage at its US datacenter and assured users that it will work to restore normal functionality as soon as possible. However, for many users, the decision remains clear: they must prioritize their own digital rights over the convenience of using a popular social media app like TikTok.
Data collected by Sensor Tower shows a significant increase in daily app deletion among US users since January 22nd compared to the previous period. The trend suggests that concerns about data collection and censorship may drive further decline in user engagement with the platform.
I'm kinda surprised, but not entirely shocked that some TikTok users in the US are reconsidering their relationship with the app. It's been a hot topic for years now, but it seems like this recent ownership change has finally put people on edge about data collection and censorship. 
I mean, who wants to be worried about your digital rights when you're just trying to create content or have fun online? It's not fair that creators like Keara Sullivan are having to think twice about where they share their work. 
And now with Oracle being involved, it just adds another layer of distrust. I guess this is a wake-up call for everyone to take control of their digital presence and find alternative platforms if needed. 
TikTok's got some major trust issues going on... all this new ownership stuff is just adding fuel to the fire 
. As creators start to speak out, it's only a matter of time before the masses catch on. And honestly, who can blame them? 
I mean, who wants to hand over their data and content to some shady corporate entity? 
.
. I'll stick to platforms like Twitter or YouTube where I can at least feel somewhat in control 
. And let's be real, creators are the ones who really matter here 
. If they're not feeling comfortable on TikTok, it's time for us to listen 
.
. Give me a break 
. The people who created this platform deserve better 
.
is it really worth sacrificing our freedom of expression just for a bunch of likes and followers? 
maybe its time to diversify our online presence and not rely on one platform like we used to 
like, can't we just give creators some transparency instead of demonizing them? 
and honestly, i think people are just realizing that they need to take control of their own digital rights instead of relying on a single platform 