TikTok Probes 'Epstein' Block in DMs: Users Report Error Prompts and Guideline Flags

TikTok is investigating why some users cannot send the word 'Epstein' in direct messages, following reports of error prompts warning of community guideline violations. The platform insists it has no rules prohibiting the name, attributing the issue to a technical glitch amid broader service disruptions.

This comes shortly after a major US ownership change, sparking speculation of censorship, and has led California Governor Gavin Newsom to probe potential suppression of anti-Trump content.

The 'Epstein' Block: User Experiences and Company Response

Users across the US have reported that attempts to send 'Epstein'—referring to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein—in private messages are met with warnings that the content may breach guidelines, preventing delivery. The problem is not universal; some accounts send the word without issue, while others face consistent blocks.

In a statement, a TikTok spokesperson said, 'We don't have rules against sharing the name 'Epstein' in direct messages and are investigating why some users are experiencing issues.' The company links this to a power outage at a US data centre, which caused cascading systems failure leading to various bugs, including delayed messages and zero engagement on posts.

Newsom's office independently verified the issue by attempting to send 'Epstein' in a test message, receiving the same warning. This has fuelled concerns that the block is part of a larger pattern of content moderation shifts.

Wider Accusations of Suppression Post-Ownership Deal

The timing has raised eyebrows, as the glitches emerged days after TikTok finalised a £10.2 billion ($14 billion) deal to spin off its US operations into a new joint venture. Investors include Oracle, led by Trump ally Larry Ellison, Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi's MGX, granting US-based control and averting a potential nationwide ban.

Critics allege the new setup, backed by the White House, is influencing content, with videos critical of President Trump or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reportedly throttled. For instance, California state Senator Scott Wiener posted a video condemning ICE actions in Minneapolis, which garnered zero views initially. A re-upload replacing 'ICE' with ice block emojis received around 300 views.

As posted by Forbes on X, TikTok is facing accusations of censorship, with the platform denying any intentional blocking.

TikTok attributes these to the same data centre outage, stating that new posts may take longer to publish and be recommended, and that actual engagement data remains intact. The company emphasises that its community guidelines, banning hate speech and nudity among other things, have not changed since the transition.

Governor Newsom Launches Review

In response, Governor Newsom announced a review by the California Department of Justice to determine if TikTok is violating state laws on free speech and content suppression. 'It's time to investigate,' he stated on X, reposting a screenshot of the 'Epstein' block.

His office noted receiving multiple reports of suppressed Trump-critical content, independently confirmed through tests. The Department of Justice has declined to comment on ongoing investigations but affirmed the importance of robust public discourse.

As of 28 January 2026, TikTok reports significant progress in resolving the infrastructure issues, though some users may still encounter glitches. The platform continues to deny any policy-driven censorship, while Newsom's probe could set precedents for state-level oversight of social media practices. Speculation persists about the long-term impact of the ownership change on content freedom.