In a significant development within the US social media landscape, rival platforms Skylight and UpScrolled have witnessed a dramatic surge in downloads. This uptick comes amid mounting allegations that TikTok, following its acquisition by investors loyal to President Trump, is engaging in the censorship of content critical of the Trump administration.
Acquisition Sparks Censorship Concerns
TikTok's US operations were recently acquired by a consortium of investors, including Oracle under the leadership of Larry Ellison, who are known for their allegiance to President Trump. In the wake of this takeover, serious claims have emerged suggesting that the platform is systematically suppressing posts and videos that express disapproval or criticism of Trump and his policies. These allegations have ignited a fierce debate about free speech and corporate influence on digital platforms.
Rival Platforms Capitalise on User Exodus
As distrust towards TikTok grows, alternative social media applications are experiencing unprecedented interest. Skylight and UpScrolled, in particular, have reported a substantial increase in user registrations and downloads. UpScrolled, which actively markets itself as a "censorship-free" environment, faced technical difficulties, including server issues, directly attributed to the sudden and overwhelming influx of new users seeking refuge from perceived bias.
Political and Legal Repercussions Unfold
The situation has escalated to involve state-level political scrutiny. California Governor Gavin Newsom has formally initiated an investigation to determine whether TikTok's alleged content moderation practices constitute a violation of state law. This probe underscores the growing tension between platform governance and legal frameworks designed to protect digital expression.
In response to the user complaints and technical problems reported during the surge, TikTok has offered an alternative explanation, attributing the issues to an unrelated power outage rather than the increased load from user activity or internal policy changes.
The controversy highlights a pivotal moment for social media, where user loyalty is being tested by perceptions of political bias, driving a notable migration towards emerging platforms that promise greater neutrality and freedom of expression.
