TikTok Restructures Trust and Safety Team Amid Global Layoffs


Reorganization affects content moderation unit as app faces uncertain future / Reuters

TikTok, the popular short video app used by millions worldwide, is undergoing significant changes within its trust and safety team. Reports indicate that the platform is laying off staff globally in this unit, which is primarily responsible for content moderation. This restructuring decision comes as part of a broader effort to enhance operational efficiency amid ongoing scrutiny of the company's practices and policies.

Sources familiar with the situation revealed that Adam Presser, the head of operations for TikTok, communicated the layoffs to employees through a memo. The layoffs reportedly commenced simultaneously in regions across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, reflecting the app's global footprint and its need to streamline operations in response to external pressures.

TikTok's fate remains uncertain as it navigates a complex landscape of regulatory challenges. Just last month, the app experienced a brief shutdown, coinciding with new legislation that requires its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to either divest from the app due to national security concerns or face a potential ban in the U.S. market. This situation has amplified scrutiny on TikTok's operations and its commitment to user safety.

During a congressional hearing in January of the previous year, TikTok's CEO Shou Chew was questioned alongside leaders from other major tech companies, including Meta's Mark Zuckerberg. Lawmakers expressed concerns about the platforms' responsibilities in safeguarding children against increasing threats, particularly those related to online predation. In response to these concerns, Chew announced that TikTok would allocate over $2 billion towards enhancing its trust and safety measures.

The recent layoffs are not the first for TikTok, which previously reduced its workforce by hundreds of positions last October, focusing on a shift toward greater reliance on artificial intelligence for content moderation. As of now, TikTok claims to employ approximately 40,000 professionals dedicated to trust and safety worldwide, but the specifics regarding the number of layoffs remain unclear.

As TikTok continues to adapt to the evolving regulatory environment and public scrutiny, the restructuring of its trust and safety team reflects a critical step in maintaining user trust and safety while managing operational challenges.

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