TikTok Blames US Outage for Recent Service Issues
▼ Summary
– A power outage at a U.S. data center caused widespread service issues for TikTok, preventing video uploads and affecting feeds for many users.
– TikTok’s new U.S. operator, a joint venture led by Oracle, took control last week, raising concerns about potential censorship and data privacy.
– The company’s new data strategy involves routing user information through Oracle-owned data centers to house a U.S.-trained algorithm.
– Some users reported their recommendation algorithms appearing to reset, though a direct link to the outage is unconfirmed.
– TikTok USDS apologized for the disruption and is working with its data center partner to restore and stabilize the service.
A significant service disruption affecting TikTok users across the United States has been attributed to a power outage at a U.S. data center. The company confirmed the technical problems, which began early Sunday morning, impacted core functions like video uploads and the feed’s content visibility. In a statement released via its official social media channels, TikTok’s U.S. Data Security (USDS) division acknowledged the issue and stated teams are actively working to restore full service.
Numerous users reported being unable to post new content or see recent videos from other creators. Interestingly, some noted that their “For You” feed seemed to revert to a more generic state, as if the recommendation algorithm had been reset, though a direct connection to the outage remains unconfirmed. The timing of this incident is particularly notable, coming just days after the formal establishment of a new U.S.-based entity to oversee the app’s domestic operations.
This new corporate structure, a joint venture involving Oracle and a consortium of investors, officially assumed control of TikTok’s U.S. business last week. The transition has sparked ongoing debates regarding data privacy and potential content moderation changes. As part of its operational framework, TikTok USDS has committed to routing American user data through Oracle-owned servers, which are also intended to host a separate, U.S.-specific version of the platform’s influential content algorithm.
In its communications, the company apologized for the disruption and emphasized collaboration with its data center partner to stabilize the service. It did not, however, specify if the affected facility was one operated by Oracle or if the widespread winter storms that blanketed much of the country contributed to the power failure. The outage underscores the complex technical and logistical challenges involved in the app’s ongoing reorganization and its efforts to assure regulators and users about the security of their data.
(Source: The Verge)
