New center to allow experts to examine and verify TikTok's practices

TikTok is taking steps to deepen its engagement with the community, policymakers, and the public by opening a Transparency Center. This center, located in their LA office, will provide outside experts with the opportunity to directly observe how TikTok's teams moderate content on the platform.

The purpose of the Transparency Center is to allow experts to evaluate TikTok's moderation systems, processes, and policies. They will be able to see how trained content moderators apply the Community Guidelines, review escalated actions, and identify potential violations that may be missed by technology. Additionally, experts will observe how users and creators can bring concerns to TikTok's attention and how those concerns are handled. Ultimately, the center aims to ensure that the content allowed on the platform aligns with the guidelines.

TikTok recognizes that their systems, policies, and practices are not perfect and is committed to constant improvement. The Transparency Center will serve as a forum for observers to provide meaningful feedback on TikTok's practices.

Initially, the center will focus on content moderation, but it will later expand to include insights into TikTok's source code, data privacy, and security efforts. This expansion will be led by the newly appointed Chief Information Security Officer, Roland Cloutier.

Due to the physical constraints caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the opening of the Transparency Center in Los Angeles has been delayed. However, TikTok is now offering virtual tours for parts of the experience to allow invited experts to view TikTok's content policies and algorithm.

TikTok looks forward to hosting experts from around the world and finding innovative ways to improve their content moderation and data security systems. If you are a policy, content safety, or security expert seeking more information, please email transparency@tiktok.com.