TikTok Unifies Product and Trust Teams to Boost Safety Tech
TikTok has combined its Core Product and Trust & Safety divisions into one organization. With Adam Presser as GM of USDS and new leaders in key roles, the move aims to speed development of safety tech as the app faces a looming U.S. deadline. This reorg strengthens alignment between business and security amidst sale negotiations.
TikTok has announced a major reorganization, merging its Core Product and Trust & Safety teams into a single unit. CEO Shou Zi Chew says this consolidation will “allow us to better leverage our technical capabilities across both business and safety objectives” and speed development of next-generation safety technologies.
A Strategic Reorganization
The internal memo outlines how TikTok will streamline product development and safety oversight under one roof. By breaking down silos between engineering teams and trust operations, the company aims to move faster on features while maintaining rigorous content and user protections.
- Adam Presser becomes General Manager of TikTok USDS, overseeing national security safeguards
- Andy Bonillo transitions to Senior Adviser, reporting to Presser
- Sandeep Grover named Head of Global Trust & Safety to unify policies
- Jenny Zi takes charge of TikTok Live’s expansion and safety oversight
- New Platform Responsibility team led by Adam Wang under Fiona Zhi’s leadership
Why the Timing Matters
This shakeup comes as TikTok’s sale negotiations intensify. A looming September deadline set by U.S. regulators, demands Chinese approval and U.S. control over the app’s algorithm. By bolstering its USDS entity and unifying teams, TikTok positions itself to satisfy national security requirements while preserving innovation.
Broader Implications for Tech Leaders
- Enhanced cross-team collaboration accelerates feature delivery and safety updates
- Stronger governance frameworks reduce regulatory risk during mergers or spin-offs
- Unified leadership promotes clearer accountability for user trust and compliance
- Rapid safety tech iteration keeps platforms ahead of emerging threats
QuarkyByte’s Perspective
At QuarkyByte, we’ve advised leading platforms on merging product and trust functions to meet strict regulatory demands. Our data-driven approach identifies friction points, aligns technical roadmaps with compliance goals, and sets up continuous monitoring. Whether you’re navigating a sale or scaling safety features, we help you move decisively.
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AI Tools Built for Agencies That Move Fast.
Facing complex safety and regulatory challenges? QuarkyByte’s analytics can help you align product and trust teams, design governance frameworks, and accelerate innovation in safety technologies. Explore how we guided a major platform through reorganization for faster, more compliant outcomes.