TikTok has reportedly blocked or restricted searches for the hashtag #WhiteLivesMatter following a rise in posts containing hateful content, inflammatory rhetoric and footage linked to recent unrest. Users attempting to search the hashtag have reported being redirected to TikTok's community guidelines and safety resources instead of seeing a feed of related content, suggesting the platform has taken action to limit its visibility.

The move comes in the wake of widespread online reaction to the murder of 18-year-old university student Henry Nowak, whose case has dominated headlines across the UK in recent days. Nowak, a first-year student at the University of Southampton, was fatally stabbed in December 2025 by Vickrum Digwa, who was later convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. During the investigation and subsequent trial, it emerged that Digwa falsely accused Nowak of making racist remarks before the attack, claims that were rejected in court.

The case attracted significant public attention after body-worn police footage showed Nowak repeatedly telling officers he had been stabbed while being handcuffed at the scene. The footage sparked widespread criticism of the police response and fuelled intense debate online.

Following the verdict, social media platforms saw a sharp increase in discussion surrounding the case. However, users and watchdog groups have also reported a rise in content promoting racist narratives, far-right messaging and calls for unrest, with some posts using the #WhiteLivesMatter hashtag to spread divisive material.

TikTok has not publicly confirmed the exact reason for the search restriction, but the platform regularly limits access to hashtags that violate its policies on hate speech, dangerous organisations and harmful content.

The restriction appears to be part of a wider effort by social media companies to prevent the spread of content that could inflame tensions following high-profile criminal cases.

Meanwhile, government officials and members of Henry Nowak's family have urged people not to use the tragedy to promote division or hatred. In public statements, both have called for unity and warned against exploiting the case to fuel racial tensions or disorder.