California Governor Newsom to Investigate Allegations of Censorship on TikTok

January 27, 2026 • Google News World

California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced an investigation into allegations that TikTok is censoring content critical of former US President Donald Trump. The claims come after users reported being unable to write the name “Epstein” in messages on the platform.

Newsom’s office stated that it will be examining whether TikTok is suppressing anti-Trump content, following reports from various sources. The investigation aims to determine if the social media app is complying with California’s laws regarding freedom of speech and expression.

TikTok has not commented publicly on the allegations, but the company has faced criticism in the past for its handling of user-generated content. In a separate incident, some users reported being unable to write the name “Epstein” in messages, sparking concerns about censorship.

The investigation is part of an ongoing effort by Newsom’s office to monitor social media platforms and ensure they are complying with California laws. The probe will focus on TikTok’s policies and practices regarding user-generated content and its handling of sensitive topics such as politics and public figures.

As the investigation unfolds, it remains unclear what specific actions or changes TikTok may be required to make in order to comply with California law.

Source: Google News World