TikTok under fire for ban of "Zionist"

Just one day after Adam Presser was officially named CEO of the newly formed TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, the platform is facing a dual crisis: a massive wave of user uninstalls and intensifying criticism over its controversial "Zionist" censorship policies.

The transition to a "majority American-owned" entity was intended to save the app from a federal ban. Instead, it has ignited a firestorm of privacy fears and accusations of political bias.

Read more: 'TikTok banned me for supporting Palestine,' says social media personality

"Zionist" Policy: Protection or Erasure?

While serving as Head of Operations, Trust and Safety -long before his elevation to CEO- Presser championed a policy that effectively criminalizes the term "Zionist" as hate speech when used in a "degrading" context. During his high-profile fireside chat with the World Jewish Congress, Presser argued this was a necessary "intervention" against coded antisemitism.

However, critics argue this move creates a dangerous precedent for algorithmic censorship. Free speech advocates and human rights organizations have warned that treating a political identity as a "proxy" for hate speech:

• Stifles Legitimate Critique: It risks silencing users who use the term to critique the actions of the 'Israeli' government rather than targeting a religious group.
• Algorithmic Bias: There are growing concerns that TikTok's AI will over-correct, leading to the "shadowbanning" or suspension of voices discussing geopolitical issues.

CEO Appointment Triggers Mass Exodus

The backlash shifted from policy to survival yesterday as Presser took the helm. Thousands of American users reportedly began deleting the app on Jan. 24, 2026, following the release of an updated privacy policy that accompanied the new US ownership structure.

Read more: TikTok’s terms update sparks privacy outrage among US users

The new "independent" entity has sparked a "digital firestorm" due to several alarming disclosures:

• Intrusive Data Collection: The updated terms explicitly state that TikTok can now collect sensitive information including immigration status, sexual orientation, and precise location data.
• "Big Brother" Surveillance: Many users view the scope of data - including clipboard content and private message metadata - as a shift from "Chinese surveillance" to "US government oversight".
• Political Manipulation: Experts warn that because the deal was heavily brokered by the Trump administration, the app’s newly localized algorithm could be manipulated to favor specific political ideologies, leading to comparisons with the controversial takeover of X.