TikTok Restructures Amid Global Layoffs and Security Scrutiny

TikTok has initiated global layoffs in its trust and safety unit despite previously committing to spend over $2 billion on these efforts. The layoffs are part of a restructuring effort affecting employees in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, amidst ongoing scrutiny over TikTok's security risks and the uncertain future in the U.S. where ByteDance faces pressure to divest its stake. TikTok's CEO, Shou Zi Chew, had previously defended the team's importance in congressional hearings addressing child safety on social media platforms. The restructuring appears to be a strategic realignment towards operational efficiency and long-term growth, affecting backend teams globally, including those in Singapore. The company, which employs over 40,000 trust and safety professionals worldwide, has not disclosed the full extent of the layoffs.