TikTok CEO Shou Chew has announced a $2 billion investment to ensure the safety of its 170 million monthly active users in the US. This move comes as part of a broader effort by social media platforms to protect young users online. The announcement was made during Chew’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, where he joined executives from other major social media firms.
According to prepared testimony reviewed by Bloomberg News, the $2 billion investment will be allocated to global trust and safety initiatives, which will be carried out by a team of over 40,000 employees. This substantial investment underscores TikTok’s rapid growth in the US and its ability to compete with established platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google.
Chew emphasized that TikTok’s user base in the US has surged to over 170 million, with the average user age being more than 30 years old. This growth has raised concerns about the platform’s impact on younger users, prompting Chew to outline specific policies aimed at protecting teens on TikTok.
Some of the unique measures highlighted by Chew include restrictions on messaging for users under 16, limitations on video downloads and recommendations, and preset screen time limits for users under 17. Additionally, TikTok employs technology to screen public content for prohibited material, particularly sexually explicit images of children. Direct messages are moderated using third-party tools to ensure compliance with safety guidelines.
This marks Chew’s second appearance before Congress, following a previous hearing focused on national security concerns due to TikTok’s Chinese ownership. In this latest hearing, Chew stood alongside industry competitors to address the growing scrutiny of social media platforms in relation to children’s safety.
The commitment to invest $2 billion in safety initiatives reflects TikTok’s recognition of the responsibility to protect its users, particularly young audiences, as it continues to expand its presence in the US market.
