In a move that has raised concerns about censorship and political influence, TikTok has restricted access to its Creative Center tool, which allows users to analyze popular videos and trending hashtags on the platform. The tool, which is primarily used by brands and advertisers, no longer allows users to search for specific hashtags, including controversial topics such as “UyghurGenocide” and "TiananmenSquare," as well as hashtags related to U.S. politics and conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.

The decision to restrict access to the Creative Center comes after TikTok faced criticism for its handling of content related to the Israel-Hamas war and allegations that it suppresses topics that do not align with the interests of the Chinese government. A study conducted by the Network Contagion Research Institute at Rutgers University suggested that TikTok may be amplifying or underrepresenting content based on its alignment with the Chinese government's interests.

TikTok spokesperson Alex Haurek defended the company's actions, stating that some individuals and organizations had misused the Creative Center's search function to draw inaccurate conclusions. Haurek argued that hashtags are created by users, not the company, and that the study's methodology was flawed. The study was also criticized by the Cato Institute, a libertarian-leaning think tank based in Washington.

TikTok has previously used hashtag comparisons to refute claims of bias against Israel during the Gaza conflict. The company has also highlighted its Research API, which allows academic researchers to study content on the platform, but researchers must submit an application and receive approval from TikTok.

The restriction of the Creative Center tool highlights the mounting pressure on TikTok to address concerns about its content moderation practices and potential influence from the Chinese government. Lawmakers and researchers have expressed concerns about the app's influence on young Americans and the potential for Beijing to shape the content that appears on TikTok. Efforts have been made in Washington to ban the app or force a sale to an American company, although the likelihood of such outcomes remains uncertain.

The Network Contagion Research Institute, which tracks online misinformation and extremism, raised concerns about the changes to the Creative Center tool. The group previously used the tool to compare content on TikTok and Instagram and found that topics suppressed by the Chinese government, such as the Uyghur population and Hong Kong protests, were underrepresented on TikTok. The researchers noted that they could no longer find data about the hashtags they studied, including politically sensitive ones like #BLM, #Trump2024, and #Biden.

Experts cautioned against drawing firm conclusions based solely on hashtag data but acknowledged that the research raised important questions. Some lawmakers, including Representative Josh Gottheimer, praised the report as part of broader efforts to regulate TikTok. Other social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter, also provide limited data about user behavior and algorithmic processes. TikTok has an application process for independent researchers to study the platform.