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TikTok users reported on Tuesday that the platform had banned all messages containing the word “Epstein.” The new restrictions come after America’s 2nd richest man, Larry Ellison, completed the purchase of the short-form video platform on January 22, 2026. Users have reportedly experienced outages and other functionality issues since Oracle, which is run by Ellison, purchased the app from ByteDance last week. The Chinese firm said TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC will leverage data privacy and cybersecurity measures to secure U.S. data, apps, and algorithms. California governor calls for an investigation into TikTok’s censorship 🇺🇸 TikTok allegedly just banned the word “Epstein” in DMs days after finalizing its sale to GOP-backed investors. Now Newsom wants to investigate them for censoring “Trump-critical content.” Source: @CAgovernor, @intelligentpawg pic.twitter.com/Gake8gm8QB — Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 27, 2026 However, the platform’s officials revealed on Monday that they are investigating why many users are unable to send the word “Epstein” in direct messages. Users have reported that posts are being taken down, shadowbanned, or that searching or using the term triggers restrictions. A spokesman for TikTok’s U.S. operations acknowledged that the platform doesn’t have rules against sharing the name Epstein in direct messages. He also confirmed that the firm is investigating why some users are experiencing issues on the platform. The Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, stated that his office received reports and independently confirmed instances of suppressed content critical of President Trump. He also called for an immediate investigation into the ban, arguing that he is launching a review into whether TikTok is breaching state law by censoring content tied to Trump. “It’s time to investigate. I am launching a review into whether TikTok is violating state law by censoring Trump-critical content.” –Gavin Newsom, Governor of California. The governor believes that TikTok is censoring content…

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Filed under: News - @ January 27, 2026 4:27 pm