TikTok Brings Together Core Product and Trust & Safety Teams

As TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain, the company is merging its Core Product and Trust & Safety teams into a single unit, according to an internal memo from TikTok CEO Shou Chew that TechCrunch has reviewed and TikTok has confirmed.

Chew highlighted in the memo that “this new structure will enhance our ability to leverage our technical capabilities for both business and safety objectives, allowing us to advance more rapidly in developing next-gen safety technology.”

The memo also stated that Adam Presser, currently TikTok’s head of Operations and Trust & Safety, will take on the role of General Manager of TikTok USDS, a separate division focused on safeguarding U.S. national security interests, a fact confirmed by TikTok to TechCrunch.

Andy Bonillo, the existing General Manager of TikTok USDS who played a pivotal role in its formation and growth, will move to a new role as Senior Advisor, reporting directly to Presser.

Presser will continue to oversee the TikTok Operations teams, while Sandeep Grover is set to become the head of Global Trust & Safety.

Additionally, Jenny Zi will take charge of TikTok LIVE.

This reorganization occurs as President Trump has delayed the TikTok shutdown deadline for the third time last month, now rescheduled for September 17.

Recently, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that TikTok may face a ban in the country unless China approves a deal for the app’s sale. Lutnick stressed the importance of U.S. control over the app’s algorithm as part of any sale agreement.

Given the strained situation amid an ongoing trade dispute with China, TikTok is expected to reinforce its USDS team as discussions about its U.S. operations progress.

Chew remarked, “To better align our extensive trust and safety efforts, the T&S Product team will now be integrated into the TikTok Product organization. We are also establishing a new Platform Responsibility team, led by Adam Wang and reporting to Fiona Zhi. Adam has successfully driven the launch and global growth of TikTok LIVE over the last four years.”

The memo concluded with Chew expressing, “I am confident that this reorganization will better position us to capitalize on the opportunities ahead.”