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TikTok Implements Massive Layoffs: Shifting Focus to AI in Content Moderation

TikTok Implements Massive Layoffs: Shifting Focus to AI in Content Moderation

The social media platform TikTok has recently announced layoffs affecting hundreds of employees globally, including a significant number in Malaysia. This decision is part of the company’s strategy to shift its focus towards greater use of artificial intelligence (AI) in content moderation, as stated by TikTok on Friday (October 11, 2024).

According to two sources familiar with the situation, over 700 jobs were cut in Malaysia. However, TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, clarified that the number of affected employees in the country is less than 500.

A source who requested anonymity revealed that employees, mostly involved in the company's content moderation operations, were informed about the layoffs via email on Wednesday evening (October 9, 2024).

In response to Reuters inquiries, TikTok confirmed the layoffs and mentioned that several hundred employees globally are expected to be impacted as part of a broader effort to enhance its moderation operations.

The tech company also plans to conduct additional layoffs next month as it aims to consolidate some of its regional operations, according to one source.

"We are making these changes as part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen our global operational model for content moderation," said a TikTok spokesperson in a statement, as reported by Reuters.

The spokesperson further noted that TikTok intends to invest $2 billion globally in trust and safety this year. They added that the company is committed to improving efficiency, with 80% of content violating guidelines now being removed automatically.

TikTok employs a mix of automated detection and human moderators to review the content uploaded on its platform.

According to the company's website, ByteDance employs over 110,000 staff across more than 200 cities worldwide.

The news about the layoffs was first reported by The Malaysian Reserve on Thursday (October 10, 2024).

These layoffs come amid increasing regulatory pressure on global tech companies in Malaysia, where the government has required social media operators to secure operating licenses by January as part of efforts to combat cyber violations. Malaysia has also reported a significant rise in harmful content on social media earlier this year, urging companies, including TikTok, to enhance monitoring on their platforms.

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