Well, it’s officially done, no more open-minded critical thinking on the topic of zionism. The new team in charge of the U.S. version of TikTok is censoring any criticism of the topic of Israel and Zionism. The head leader, Adam Presser, has put in place a new policy that if you say anything bad about Israel or people who are zionist it will be marked as “hate speech” and will be removed. This has been in place as of right now, for example many pages like Guy Christensen, and Jennifer Welsh have noticed that with a huge following, they are getting views between 0 to 200, which does not fit how TikTok used to work. 

The blackflash

Ever since this has happened, TikTok has seen a 150% increase in the uninstall rate, which is basically people just deleting the app. What’s been trending is the alternative app to replace TikTok, which is called Upscrolled. The reason for its rise is because of its free censorship algorithm, which it has, and how it has the same social features as TikTok; this time, no more content and figures are being censored for their opinion. 

TikTok’s new policies are negative because it’s basically making TikTok a propaganda machine for Israel, not allowing users to hear from all sides of Zionism. All you are going to hear are pro zionist influencers. This shows that TikTok is not for free speech, a constitutional right that Americans value. 

Debunking “hate speech” claims

 Zionism started in the 19th century by Theodor Herzl’s belief that the Jews should return to their “homeland” in Palestine. Criticizing Zionism does not make you hate a specific ethnicity or religion. Zionism is simply a political ideology that can spark debate and conversations; you shouldn’t be labeled an antisemite for just questioning Zionism.

At the end of the day, platforms defining words that suit their political agenda is dangerous. TikTok was supposed to be a platform where you can hear anybody’s opinions and to make up your own mind on what to believe.