Full Breakdown
Surge of UpScrolled: A Response to TikTok's New Ownership
1/30/2026, 9:00:43 AM
Background & Context: TikTok's Ownership Transition
On January 22, 2026, TikTok transitioned to a U.S.-owned entity, TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, following a deal that saw American investors, including Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX, acquire an 80.1% stake. This change was prompted by national security concerns regarding data privacy and content moderation under its previous Chinese ownership by ByteDance, which retains a 19.9% stake. The deal has raised concerns about potential censorship, particularly regarding content critical of the Trump administration and pro-Palestinian narratives.
Core Event: Rise of UpScrolled
In the wake of TikTok's ownership change, many users have flocked to UpScrolled, a social media platform founded by Issam Hijazi, a Palestinian-Jordanian-Australian entrepreneur. Launched in July 2025, UpScrolled has positioned itself as an alternative to mainstream platforms, claiming to provide a space free from censorship and shadowbanning, particularly for pro-Palestinian voices. Following the TikTok deal, UpScrolled saw a dramatic increase in downloads, reportedly reaching over one million users within a week, making it the most downloaded social networking app in the U.S. App Store.
User Sentiment and Content Moderation
Users migrating to UpScrolled have expressed concerns about TikTok's new content moderation policies, alleging that the platform has suppressed posts related to Palestine and critical of U.S. immigration enforcement. This sentiment was echoed by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who announced an investigation into TikTok's practices after receiving reports of content suppression. In contrast, UpScrolled has been flooded with content that some users describe as antisemitic and anti-Israel, raising questions about the platform's moderation policies. While UpScrolled claims to prohibit hate speech and violence, its rapid growth has outpaced its content moderation capabilities, leading to a surge in problematic content.
Official Statements & Responses
Issam Hijazi, the founder of UpScrolled, stated, “Since the genocide happened, and is still happening, it changed everything in me... I felt I was complicit by working for these big techs.” He emphasized the need for digital independence for the Palestinian cause. In response to concerns about content moderation, UpScrolled's spokesperson acknowledged the challenges posed by the influx of new users, stating, “Our content moderation hasn’t been able to keep up... We’re working with digital rights experts to grow our Trust & Safety team.”
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of UpScrolled have pointed out the platform's rapid embrace of extremist content, with some users expressing gratitude for the lack of censorship. This has raised alarms among Jewish organizations and watchdogs monitoring online antisemitism. The CyberWell report indicated that while TikTok removed nearly 90% of antisemitic content, UpScrolled's moderation has struggled to keep pace with its growth.
What's Next: Ongoing Investigations and User Reactions
As TikTok faces scrutiny over its content moderation practices, UpScrolled's future remains uncertain. The platform's ability to manage its rapid growth and content moderation will be critical as it seeks to establish itself as a viable alternative to TikTok. Meanwhile, TikTok's new ownership structure and its implications for content moderation will likely continue to be a focal point of public and governmental scrutiny.
In summary, the rise of UpScrolled illustrates a significant shift in user behavior in response to perceived censorship on TikTok, highlighting the complex dynamics of social media ownership and content moderation in today's digital landscape.
