TikTok is restructuring its internal organization by merging its Core Product and Trust & Safety teams. The strategic shift, confirmed by the company and detailed in an internal memo from CEO Shou Zi Chew, aims to accelerate the development of safety technology while navigating mounting pressure regarding the platform’s future in the United States.
Strategic Integration to Bolster Safety
According to Chew, the consolidation is designed to integrate technical capabilities across business and safety objectives. “This new team will allow us to better leverage our technical capabilities and will help us move faster as we develop the next generation of safety technology,” Chew stated in the memo.
As part of this realignment, the Trust & Safety product team is being folded into the broader TikTok Product organization. Additionally, the company is launching a new Platform Responsibility team, which will be spearheaded by Adam Wang, reporting to Fiona Zhi. Wang previously led the global expansion of TikTok LIVE.
Leadership Shakeup in USDS
The reorganization involves significant leadership changes, particularly within TikTok USDS—the entity tasked with managing U.S. national security interests. Adam Presser, previously the head of Operations and Trust & Safety, has been appointed as the general manager of TikTok USDS.
Andy Bonillo, who led the creation and growth of the USDS organization, will transition into a senior adviser role reporting to Presser. Furthermore, Sandeep Grover has been named the new head of Global Trust & Safety, while Jenny Zi will take over leadership for TikTok LIVE.
Regulatory Pressure and the US Deadline
This organizational pivot occurs as the current deadline for a potential TikTok shutdown in the U.S. looms on September 17, following a third extension granted by the Trump administration.
The situation remains volatile, complicated by ongoing trade tensions and tariff disputes with China. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently emphasized that TikTok faces a total blackout in the country unless China approves a sale of the app. Lutnick also stressed that U.S. authorities must maintain control over the platform’s algorithm as a non-negotiable condition of any potential acquisition.
By strengthening the USDS team, industry observers suggest TikTok is attempting to solidify its security compliance posture while the company’s fate remains in the balance.