TikTok's Efforts to Ensure User Safety and Platform Integrity

As a platform that brings joy to millions of users, TikTok's goal is to develop industry-leading policies and community tools to ensure the safety of its users. In order to achieve this, TikTok has taken several steps.

Expanding Local Presence

TikTok is expanding its local presence by building local teams in different cities around the world. This allows TikTok to better understand and reflect the diverse communities it serves. In the US alone, TikTok has grown to over 400 employees who support and foster the app experience. They have recently moved into a new office in Los Angeles, which reflects their creative and fun spirit. TikTok is also expanding its team in other cities like New York City, San Francisco, Mountain View, and Austin.

Hiring Professionals

TikTok is expanding its expertise in important areas by making key hires. They have hired professionals in product, safety, content, music, sales, and operations. For example, they have hired a Head of Safety and a team of leaders in LA to better protect their users. They have also expanded their Trust & Safety hub in the San Francisco Bay Area. These teams work on strengthening policies, technologies, and moderation strategies to ensure user safety. TikTok's Trust & Safety leaders collaborate closely with regulators, policymakers, and law enforcement agencies to promote the highest standard of user safety.

Protecting Younger Users

TikTok is strengthening its efforts to ensure the safety of its younger users. They have partnered with organizations like the Family Online Safety Institute and National Parent Teacher Association to educate families about safety on the app. They have also awarded grants to local PTAs to host family workshops on online safety. TikTok has implemented policies and product changes to protect younger users, such as raising the minimum age for virtual gifting to 18 and not allowing images or videos to be sent in comments or messages.

Maintaining Platform Integrity

TikTok is committed to maintaining the integrity of its platform and the content it supports. They have released a Transparency Report to show how they balance legal requests and user rights. They have also published comprehensive Community Guidelines to define harmful or unsafe content. TikTok is working with third-party fact-checking and media literacy organizations to counter potential misinformation. They have implemented in-app notices and reporting options to address misleading information. TikTok is also working on a new initiative with a global law firm to strengthen their teams, moderation policies, and overall transparency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, TikTok is continuously taking steps to ensure the safety and integrity of its platform. They are committed to earning the trust of their stakeholders by being vigilant, making necessary investments, and listening to feedback. TikTok's mission is to provide a welcoming space for all users to express their creativity and find joyful and meaningful content.