TikTok is investigating why you can't mention Epstein in direct messages
TikTok has launched an investigation after users were unable to send the word 'Epstein' in direct messages.
TikTok investigates why some users can't write 'Epstein' in messages : NPR
Users have reported that when they try to send a message containing 'Epstein,' they are greeted with a warning that reads, 'This message was not sent because it may violate TikTok's Community Guidelines.' This behavior is inconsistent, and some users report being able to send the message normally.
'Epstein' in this context refers to Jeffrey Epstein, the businessman who was indicted on sex trafficking charges and died in custody. Shortly before this incident, TikTok's US operations were transferred to a joint venture with major tech companies, including Oracle. Because Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison is close to President Donald Trump, who has been implicated in Epstein's sex trafficking, users have raised suspicions that restrictions may be in place to prevent users from posting content that is anti-Trump.
A TikTok spokesperson said, 'There is no rule prohibiting sharing the name 'Epstein' in DMs. We are investigating why some users are having issues.'
Around the same time, TikTok experienced a glitch that prevented users from uploading videos of citizens being shot and killed by Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Many internet users blamed TikTok's new owners and protested under the hashtag '#TikTokCensorship' on TikTok X. However, the issue was caused by a power outage at TikTok's data center, so it didn't just affect ICE-related content.
California Governor announces investigation into TikTok content censorship allegations, blaming power outage - GIGAZINE
The various technical issues TikTok has been facing since coming under its new ownership are believed to be the result of winter storms that hit the central and eastern United States. Around January 27, 2026, cold weather hit various states in the United States, causing a series of fatal accidents and numerous flight cancellations, among other impacts. Oracle said that the weather was also to blame for the power outages that occurred at data centers used by TikTok.
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