TikTok Restructures Teams to Enhance Product Development and Trust Safety Amid Uncertainty in the U.S.

Amidst the uncertainty regarding its future in the United States, TikTok is consolidating its core product teams and trust and safety divisions into a single structure. This development was reported by TechCrunch, referencing an internal memo sent to employees by TikTok’s CEO Shou Zi Chew.

The newly formed structure is expected to allow the company to leverage its technical capabilities more effectively for both business and security challenges. Additionally, it will enhance the development of next-generation security technologies.

As part of these changes, Adam Presser, head of TikTok’s operations, trust, and safety, will take on the role of CEO of TikTok USDS—a distinct division focused on safeguarding U.S. national interests.

The current general manager of TikTok USDS, Andy Bonillo, who oversaw the creation and growth of the organization, will transition to a senior advisor position under Presser. Sandeep Grover will become the new leader of the TikTok Global Trust & Safety division.

To enhance the coherence of trust and safety initiatives, the T&S Product team will now be integrated into the TikTok Product department, as Chew indicated. TikTok is also establishing a new team called Platform Responsibility, which will be led by Adam Wan, who previously directed the global launch and development of TikTok Live.

This reorganization comes after U.S. President Donald Trump extended the deadline for the sale of TikTok’s American operations for the third time. The Chinese company ByteDance must divest its stake by September 17, 2025.

In late July, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick stated that TikTok would cease its operations in the country if China does not approve the sale. He added that as part of the deal, the U.S. must gain control over the app’s algorithm.