TikTok Doesn't Want Us To Talk About the News; [Report] The Rise of the AI Censors

[riversedge]

Definitely give this a read about seeming the mix of ellison takeover and AI suppressing Trump critical content on TikTok while fascist content seems to thrive
talkingpointsmemo.com/the-weekende...

Definitely give this a read about seeming the mix of ellison takeover and AI suppressing Trump critical content on TikTok while fascist content seems to thrive talkingpointsmemo.com/the-weekende...

— Josh Marshall (@joshtpm.bsky.social) 2026-06-27T13:51:28.037Z

TikTok Doesn’t Want Us To Talk About the News
by Hunter Walker, Derick Dirmaier and Allegra Kirkland

06.27.26 | 8:00 am

https://talkingpointsmemo.com/the-weekender/tiktok-doesnt-want-us-to-talk-about-the-news#mp-1782494650-570

The Rise of the AI Censors


By Hunter Walker

Last week, Oxford University’s Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism released its annual digital news report, which found that “for the first time, social media and video networks are, on average across the markets covered, more popular than both TV and owned news websites and apps as sources of news.” The analysis looked at news consumption patterns around the world. It found over three quarters of the population is watching online news videos each week and many people rely on it more than traditional television broadcasts.

It’s clear that online video, especially short-form clips, is crucial for reaching the public. That’s particularly true since traditional internet traffic is rapidly drying up for most media outlets. The sharp audience dropoff is largely attributable to an AI takeover at the world’s largest search engine.

In this landscape, video matters more than ever, particularly TikTok. The Reuters Institute report noted that TikTok and Instagram are “the fastest growing video-led networks” with the latter platform leading the way.

Given all of these trends, I have started trying to build up my own TikTok presence with an eye towards ultimately creating more official TPM content on the platform. I quickly found out that the influential app makes it almost impossible for small and independent creators to report or comment on current events. Based on my own experience, it seems far-right politics thrives on the platform while reporting on extremism is almost instantly shut down.

I began regularly trying to post videos about news, history, and culture last month. Some were quickly removed. .........................................