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AI takes over as Tik Tok fires hundreds of workers globally to increase integration
The tech company plans to invest $2 billion globally in trust and safety initiatives in 2024, with 80% of rule-violating content now being removed through automated technologies, the spokesperson added.
TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, is laying off hundreds of employees as part of the restructuring of its content-moderation operations.
The layoffs are part of a broader plan to enhance efficiency through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in moderating content, World Street Journal reports.
“We’re making these changes as part of our ongoing efforts to further strengthen our global operating model for content moderation,” a spokesperson for TikTok stated.
The tech company plans to invest $2 billion globally in trust and safety initiatives in 2024, with 80% of rule-violating content now being removed through automated technologies, the spokesperson added.
While TikTok did not disclose the exact number of job cuts, reports suggest the layoffs will impact staff across various locations worldwide, with hundreds affected in Malaysia.
Initial reports indicated more than 700 jobs were slashed in Malaysia, though TikTok later clarified that fewer than 500 employees were affected.
The layoffs largely involve staff working in content moderation. Sources close to the matter revealed that impacted employees were informed via email late Wednesday.
TikTok confirmed the layoffs, stating that further changes may occur next month as it consolidates regional operations.
AI has been increasingly cited as a factor in global job cuts.
The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, warned recently that AI could affect 40% of jobs worldwide, replacing some and complementing others.
“In advanced economies, about 60% of jobs may be impacted by AI. For the other half, AI applications may execute key tasks currently performed by humans,” Georgieva said.
A report from Goldman Sachs also predicted that AI could replace 300 million jobs globally, with two-thirds of jobs in the US and Europe being affected.
ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, employs over 110,000 people across 200 cities worldwide.
Further layoffs may follow as the company continues its transition toward increased AI integration.
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Companies Blame Host Communities For Oil Theft, Pipeline Vandalism
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Just in: Final knockout for Fubara as Supreme Court refuses to grant stay of execution request
It is final blow as he Supreme Court today, denied Fubara Stay of Execution asking the counsels to the Rivers state Government to obey the Apoeal Court judgment while their Appeal are been heard.
Fubara and his 3 Lawmakers may have to kiss the dust with this latest development.
Information reaching me Sat’s INEC will this week announce dates for Bye election into the vacant seats.
More details shortly…
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University Don Tells FG To Sanction NUPENG President, General Secretary Over Failure To Curtail Tanker Fire Fatalities*
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Victims of Wednesday’s inferno in Jigawa State where over 100 people were burnt to death have received sympathy from an American based Professor of Humanity who called on the Federal government to sanction the leadership of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) over failure to curtail incessant deaths arising from tanker-related accidents across the country.
Professor Josephine T. Abubakar from University of Maryland, United States also commiserated with the families who lost loved ones in the tragic incident and prayed that God grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
In a statement she made available to newsmen on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 she said Nigerian ministry of petroleum resources in collaboration with the National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) need to activate Safe-To-Load Initiative to mitigate incessant petroleum products tanker accidents and ensuing fire outbreaks in Nigeria.
The University don said, “It is highly irresponsible of an oil Union like NUPENG, especially its General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale for not reacting officially to a national tragedy caused by one of the branches of its union, PTD in particular. This is horrible and unbelievable, over 100 lives met their untimely death. NUPENG should not only be seen collecting multiple levies and dues from Tanker Drivers, but should be seen putting adequate safety measures in place to avoid fatalities like the one the country witnessed on Wednesday.
“The deaths was a colossal loss for Nigeria, and what made it more worrisome and heart-rending was that it could be avoided but NUPENG and PTD have failed in their responsibilities, rather they concentrate on bickering over leadership tussle, legal fireworks and other ventures that can bring pecuniary gains for them at the expense of their defenseless members. It’s a shame that Augustine Egbon, a stooge in PTD who was hand-picked to be the National Chairman has also been silent about this recent calamity. NUPENG has outrightly failed Nigeria to say the least.
“However, this is the best time for the Nigerian government to look into the activities of NUPENG and PTD so that public safety and security will no longer be put into jeopardy. Nigeria has lost many lives as a result of negligence, weak and incompetent leadership in NUPENG and PTD who cannot even fix its internal crisis but disgracing themselves on the pages of newspapers and the internet on a daily basis.
“The call also goes to Nigerian ministry of petroleum resources to collaborate with the National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) so as to activate Safe-To-Load Initiative to mitigate incessant petroleum products tanker accidents and ensuing fire outbreaks in Nigeria.
“PTD used to be known for operational excellence and robust safety checklist for loading of petroleum products at terminals, retail outlets and depots but since Afolabi came to the saddle as General Secretary, the Union has been in tatters. Government must overhaul NUPENG and PTD, if need be, Afolabi and the President should be sacked while the DSS can take over the affairs of the union, until a proper election is conducted. There is nothing new, this has happened in NUPENG before”, she said.
The professor further appealed to Tinubu led government to be committed in ensuring safe roads for petroleum products distribution in the country and as well continue to create laudable interventions that can cushion the hardships faced by tanker drivers in their task of distributing products across the country, while also stressing that law enforcement agencies must as well show cooperation, support and provide security/succor for the hardworking tanker drivers.
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