Full Breakdown
TikTok Users Reassess Their Engagement Amid Ownership Changes and Privacy Concerns
2/2/2026, 11:49:23 PM
Ownership Transition and User Backlash
On January 22, 2026, TikTok's ownership transitioned from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to a new U.S.-based entity, TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, which includes investors such as Oracle, Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi's MGX. This shift aimed to address national security concerns and prevent a potential ban in the U.S. However, the change has sparked significant backlash among users, many of whom are reconsidering their relationship with the platform due to new privacy policies and perceived censorship.
Privacy Policy Changes and User Reactions
The updated privacy policy, which now includes explicit data collection practices such as tracking precise location and sensitive personal information, has raised alarms among users. Keara Sullivan, a comedian with over half a million followers, expressed her sadness at stepping away from the platform, citing her career's growth due to TikTok. However, she, along with others, has voiced concerns over censorship and data privacy, leading to a notable increase in app deletions. Data from Sensor Tower indicates that daily uninstall rates surged by 195% between January 22 and January 28 compared to the previous 90 days.
Julia, a caregiver, deleted her account immediately after learning about the new terms, stating, “I trust Oracle and Ellison about as much as I trust eating a raw burger on a hot summer day.” This sentiment reflects a broader distrust among users regarding the new ownership and its implications for content moderation.
Censorship Allegations and Political Context
Concerns over censorship have intensified following the killing of Alex Pretti by ICE agents on January 24, which led to allegations that TikTok suppressed content critical of federal agencies. California Governor Gavin Newsom announced an investigation into TikTok's practices, stating that his office had received reports of suppressed anti-Trump content. This scrutiny has fueled fears that the platform may be manipulating content visibility based on political affiliations.
Technical Issues and User Trust
Compounding these concerns, TikTok experienced significant technical issues shortly after the ownership change, including outages that disrupted core functionalities such as content posting and analytics. TikTok attributed these problems to a power outage at an Oracle-operated data center, but the timing raised suspicions among users already wary of the platform's new management. The glitches coincided with heightened political tensions, further eroding user trust.
Alternatives Gaining Popularity
As TikTok users delete their accounts, alternative platforms like UpScrolled and Skylight Social have seen substantial growth. UpScrolled, which promises a censorship-free experience, reported a surge in downloads, growing from 40,000 to over a million users within days. This migration reflects a desire for platforms that prioritize user privacy and freedom of expression.
Conclusion: The Future of TikTok in the U.S.
TikTok's future in the U.S. remains uncertain as it navigates the challenges of user trust, privacy concerns, and technical reliability. The platform must address these issues to retain its user base and compete effectively against emerging alternatives. As the situation evolves, the balance between user engagement and privacy will be crucial in determining TikTok's long-term viability in the American market.
