As TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain, the company is merging its Core Product and Trust & Safety teams into a single organization, according to an internal memo sent to staff by TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew. The memo, confirmed by TikTok, states that this new team will help the company better leverage its technical capabilities for both business and safety objectives while accelerating the development of next-generation safety technology.
As part of the restructuring, TikTok’s head of Operations and Trust & Safety, Adam Presser, will become the General Manager of TikTok USDS, a separate entity focused on safeguarding U.S. national security interests. Andy Bonillo, the current General Manager of TikTok USDS, will transition to a Senior Advisor role, reporting to Presser.
The TikTok Operations teams will continue reporting directly to Presser, while Sandeep Grover will take over as the new head of Global Trust & Safety. Meanwhile, Jenny Zi will lead TikTok LIVE.
This reorganization follows President Trump’s decision last month to extend the TikTok shutdown deadline for a third time. The current deadline is September 17.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently stated that TikTok will go dark in the country if China does not approve a deal for the app’s sale. Lutnick emphasized that the U.S. must control the app’s algorithm as part of the agreement. Given the ongoing tensions amid a tariff war with China, TikTok may be strengthening its USDS team as its U.S. deal remains unresolved.
In the memo, Chew also announced the integration of the Trust & Safety Product team into the TikTok Product organization. A new Platform Responsibility team will be led by Adam Wang, reporting to Fiona Zhi. Wang previously oversaw the global launch and expansion of TikTok LIVE.
Chew expressed confidence that these changes will better position TikTok to capitalize on future opportunities.