TikTok's Inconsistent Censorship: One Word Makes All the Difference

TikTok's Censorship Policies Under Scrutiny: A Case Study A recent short video on TikTok has highlighted inconsistencies in the platform's content moderation system. The video, uploaded on May 22nd, 2025, features a creator discussing how the platform seemingly allows certain words related to nationality but bans similar content with a minor alteration. The creator states, "TikTok practically doesn't ban you for the word 'Russian,' but adding another word results in an immediate ban." This observation raises questions about the fairness and transparency of TikTok's algorithms and moderation practices. The video has sparked a discussion online about the challenges of balancing free speech with the need to prevent the spread of harmful content. Experts in online censorship are now calling for greater transparency and consistency in the application of content moderation rules across social media platforms. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding online censorship and its impact on freedom of expression.