After U.S. investors finalized control of TikTok’s operations on Jan. 23, 2026, users circulated a screenshot showing that typing “Epstein” as a one-word direct message was blocked, with commentator Brian Krassenstein calling it proof of censorship. (latimes.com) TikTok told NPR it had no rule banning the name and said it was investigating why some users received prompts that messages “may violate community guidelines.” (wgcu.org) Tests by reporters found the block inconsistent and likely due to an overbroad one-word DM filter or technical glitch, not a deliberate “Epstein” ban, though critics say the new ownership heightens censorship fears. (piunikaweb.com) The episode prompted oversight calls. (wgcu.org)