TikTok to cut hundreds of UK jobs, shift more moderation to AI

(Sharecast News) - TikTok is cutting hundreds of UK jobs as part of a global restructuring, it was reported on Friday, that would see content moderation increasingly handled by artificial intelligence rather than human staff. The company confirmed earlier reports from Sky News that it is "concentrating operations in fewer locations" worldwide, affecting trust and safety teams responsible for removing harmful content from the platform.

The Communication Workers Union condemned the move, warning it would leave "millions of British users at risk" and accusing the company of "putting corporate greed over the safety of workers and the public."

The union also claimed the layoffs were announced just a week before staff were due to vote on union recognition, alleging the timing "stinks of union-busting."

TikTok defended the changes, arguing that AI tools now identified over 85% of content removed for breaching guidelines and that 99% of problematic material was taken down before users reported it.

The company said the shift would also protect employees from exposure to graphic content, with the number of disturbing videos viewed by staff falling 60% since AI systems were introduced.

Under the plans, some roles would be relocated elsewhere in Europe or outsourced to third-party providers, with a smaller UK-based team retained.

TikTok employs more than 2,500 people in the UK and was reportedly planning to open a new London office next year.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.