TikTok Cuts Human Moderators in Favor of AI, Fired Workers Fight Back

TikTok has begun cutting human moderators in favor of artificial intelligence, with 97% of moderation already done algorithmically. The company says this shift is efficient, but former content moderators like Lynda Ouazar express concerns over online safety. Ouazar, who worked at TikTok for three years, believes human moderators are essential in protecting the public from harmful content, including pornography, terrorism, and child exploitation.

Ouazar and other former moderators, including Iman Morshed, describe the job as grueling but fulfilling. Morshed worked at TikTok for two years, checking content for breaches of the company's guidelines, and says he felt like a "zombie" after two years. Ouazar, however, describes her job as "in some ways, a dream job," as she felt she was keeping the platform safe, especially with young children in mind.

TikTok's shift to AI moderation has led to allegations of union busting. Ouazar and other former employees claim they were made redundant due to their union membership. The company denies these allegations, but former employees are challenging the redundancies in court. Tom Hegarty from Foxglove, the non-profit lawyers helping the moderators, says the case could set a precedent for big tech companies and their treatment of employees.

The case revolves around the timing of the redundancy announcement, which came just before workers were due to vote on forming a union. Moderators made redundant in August are also taking the company to court, alleging union busting. The court case is ongoing, with the next hearing set for January 2029.

TikTok removed over 188 million videos in the second quarter of 2026, with 97% removed using automated detection technologies. However, human moderators like Ouazar argue that they are essential in protecting the public from what slips through the algorithmic net. Ouazar describes moderators as the "front line" of TikTok.

The shift to AI moderation raises concerns over online safety. Hegarty argues that social media companies were forced to do content moderation, and that AI may not be the most effective solution. "Is it a good solution?" he asks, highlighting the potential risks of relying solely on AI for moderation.

The case against TikTok could have significant implications for big tech companies and their treatment of employees. If the former employees succeed, it could prove that big tech can't just "do what it wants and ignore employment law" as it rolls out AI. The outcome will be closely watched by those concerned about the impact of automation on jobs and online safety.

Key points

• TikTok's shift to AI moderation has led to allegations of union busting and concerns over online safety.
• Former employees are challenging the redundancies in court, arguing that they were made redundant due to their union membership.
• The case could set a precedent for big tech companies and their treatment of employees.