TikTok cuts hundreds of jobs to replace with AI

ByteDance-owned social media platform TikTok said on October 11 that it is laying off hundreds of employees across its global workforce, including a large number in Malaysia, as it shifts its focus to using artificial intelligence (AI) to moderate content.

Most of TikTok's content moderators were notified of the layoffs by email late on October 9, according to unnamed sources.

Responding to questions, TikTok confirmed the layoffs and said it expected hundreds of employees to be affected globally, including fewer than 500 in Malaysia, as part of a plan to improve moderation practices.

TikTok uses a combination of automated detection and human moderators to review content posted on the platform.

TikTok is expected to invest $2 billion in multiple trust and safety initiatives this year. Photo: Shutterstock

ByteDance has more than 110,000 employees in more than 200 cities globally, according to its website. The world’s most valuable startup, with a valuation of nearly $230 billion, is also planning to cut more staff next month to consolidate some regional operations, according to a source.

"We are making these changes to further strengthen our global operating model for content moderation," a TikTok representative said.

The company expects to invest $2 billion globally this year in multiple safety and trust initiatives, and will continue to improve efficiency, with 80% of policy-violating content now removed using automated technology, the representative said.

The cuts come as global tech companies face growing regulatory pressure in Malaysia, where authorities have required social media operators to apply for operating licenses by January in an effort to combat cybersecurity breaches.

Earlier this year, Malaysia reported a sharp increase in harmful content on social media and called on companies, including TikTok, to increase monitoring of their platforms.

Ngoc Anh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/tiktok-cat-giam-hang-tram-viec-lam-de-thay-bang-ai-post316353.html