In a move that appears to clash directly with the spirit of Britain's new landmark internet laws, TikTok is planning to slash its UK-based content moderator workforce. The social media giant is preparing to outsource these critical roles to contractors outside the country, putting numerous jobs at risk.
The decision comes despite the recent implementation of the Online Safety Act, which was designed to force tech companies to take greater responsibility for the harmful content on their platforms. A key expectation was that this would necessitate more local oversight, not less.
Safety Promises vs. Cost-Cutting Reality
Sources indicate that TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, is pushing for significant cost reductions. This has led to the strategic shift towards cheaper, outsourced labour, primarily to locations with lower operating costs than the UK.
This outsourcing model raises alarming questions about the effectiveness of content moderation. Experts warn that culturally distant moderators may struggle to accurately assess nuanced UK-specific content, including local slang, humour, and emerging threats, potentially letting more harmful material slip through the cracks.
A Blow to Digital Worker Rights and Safety
Content moderation is notoriously challenging work, with employees exposed to extreme and distressing material. The UK roles, often filled by employees of outsourcing firms like Capita, typically come with better pay and conditions than their overseas counterparts.
This move not only risks the quality of online safety but also represents a significant blow to the UK's tech employment sector, undermining job security and standards for digital workers.
Regulatory Scrutiny on the Horizon
Ofcom, the newly empowered regulator under the Online Safety Act, is now likely to scrutinise this decision closely. The Act gives Ofcom the power to demand details about a company's moderation processes and ensure they are adequate for protecting British users.
This situation sets up a potential first major clash between the UK's regulatory framework and a global tech giant prioritising its bottom line over local investment and safety.
