Recent discussions around Portland, Oregon, have reached a fever pitch, driven by President Donald Trump’s alarming claims of an “insurrection” in the city. Amid heightened tensions, federal agents have reportedly faced off with protesters at an ICE facility, prompting Trump to call in the National Guard. However, federal court rulings have created hurdles to these military actions.
Amidst this backdrop, you’ve probably encountered buzz on TikTok regarding the difficulty some users claim they’re having while tagging Portland in their videos. One particular video gained over 2.8 million views, sparking theories of censorship related to Trump’s influence on the platform. But what’s really happening?
Understanding TikTok’s Location Tagging Rules
TikTok has clarified that the confusion arises from changes they implemented in August, not political motives. Jason Grosse, a TikTok spokesperson, explains that the new rule limits location tagging based on IP address, which is different in the U.S. since the app doesn’t collect precise GPS data.
If you film a video directly in the app, you can only tag locations within the state you are in or in an adjoining state. However, if you upload a video from your gallery, you’re free to tag any city, including Portland. “This isn’t related to Portland,” Grosse reassures.
Are Users Facing Tagging Issues?
While some users in Portland continue to report issues, Gizmodo could not replicate these claims. Plenty of videos from Portland are accessible, showcasing both political content and everyday life. For instance, one viral clip features an ICE agent using pepper spray against a protester.
@7newsaustralia Footage has captured the moment an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent pepper sprayed a protester wearing a frog costume in Portland, Oregon. The video was filmed by Bennett Haselton who posted to X saying the ICE agent sprayed “air intake valve” which ” could have been really dangerous”. Tension between federal agents and protestors have intensified amid US President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. #protest #Trump #immigration#Portland #Oregon
Despite the concerns about tagging, there doesn’t seem to be any significant technical censorship occurring. Many users continue to create and share content from Portland without barrier.
What’s the Situation with the National Guard?
Over the weekend, Trump ordered the Oregon National Guard to deploy to Portland, though a judge halted these actions. His attempts to bring in additional troops from California were also blocked. This led Trump to discuss possible invocation of the Insurrection Act, which could allow for a greater military presence on U.S. streets.
What is Fueling Trump’s Narrative?
Much of Trump’s portrayal of Portland as a chaotic environment appears influenced by sensationalized reporting, particularly from outlets like Fox News, which have been playing footage from protests during his first term. These portrayals often obscure the larger contexts, such as the national response to police brutality spurred by the tragic murder of George Floyd.
Is TikTok Favoring Right-Wing Content?
There have been anecdotal reports of increased MAGA-aligned videos flooding TikTok’s platform since Trump’s announcement regarding Oracle’s involvement. This raises questions over whether the algorithm is being manipulated to showcase far-right content. Yet, much of this could simply be a result of circulating stories—which, when viewed, prompt more similar content to appear in your feed.
Is it possible that the rise in videos featuring figures like white supremacist Nick Fuentes is due to algorithmic changes, or is it merely coincidental popularity? Without access to TikTok’s inner workings, it’s difficult to determine.
Conclusion
While concerns around censorship persist, current shifts in TikTok tagging practices appear to stem from technical adjustments rather than sinister motives. As political dynamics evolve and the future of TikTok hangs in the balance, we might see changes that reflect these new realities.
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