California Governor Gavin Newsom is launching an investigation into TikTok, focusing on accusations of censoring content critical of Donald Trump. The probe follows ByteDance's recent deal to spin off its US business. This move comes amid concerns about content moderation practices and potential violations of state law regarding free speech on the platform.

Newsom's office confirmed instances where TikTok seemingly suppressed content critical of Trump. The investigation was prompted by reports of restrictions on sending messages with specific keywords, such as “Epstein.” The California Department of Justice will determine if TikTok's actions violate state law. This adds to the ongoing scrutiny of the social media platform.

The inquiry comes as TikTok navigates a complex landscape of regulatory challenges. ByteDance finalized a deal for a new US entity, with Oracle and other investors holding a majority stake. The new entity will be responsible for retraining TikTok's algorithm on US data and managing content moderation. Expect further developments as the investigation unfolds.

Following the announcement of the new US entity, users reported technical issues and algorithm glitches. TikTok attributed some problems to a power outage. The censorship allegations and technical difficulties raise further questions about the platform's future. The investigation's findings could have significant repercussions for TikTok's operations.