TikTok, a well-known social media platform, has begun widespread layoffs globally as it transitions to using artificial intelligence for content control.

Layoffs in Malaysia

These layoffs will include a significant number of staff in Malaysia. According to two sources, up to 700 employees have been terminated in Malaysia. However, TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, stated that fewer than 500 employees were affected. The layoffs primarily impacted staff involved in content moderation operations.

Potential Further Reductions

According to a source, TikTok is considering further layoffs in November as part of plans to merge some of its regional operations. In April, the company laid off over 250 jobs in Ireland and was reportedly planning another 1,000 job cuts in May from its marketing and operations teams.

Context and TikTok's Response

TikTok employs a mixed approach of automated tools and human moderators to evaluate content. The company expects to spend about $2 billion worldwide in capital expenditures on security systems this year. This move is in response to an increase in content guideline violations.

The layoffs at TikTok are happening amidst increased regulatory scrutiny, requiring the social media company to bolster its content safety measures.