TikTok is expected to cut staff around the world, a further blow to the popular social video app, which faces the threat of new legislation that would ban its service in the United States if its Chinese owners don't sell. .
The cuts are expected to affect employees working in content, marketing and user operations, according to The Information, a tech-focused news outlet that first reported on the impending layoffs. TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Some U.S. leaders have expressed security concerns about TikTok and its parent company ByteDance's ties to China. ByteDance and TikTok said the new law “does not support the idea” that TikTok's Chinese ownership poses a national security risk.
An unnamed TikTok employee told CNN that the layoffs are unrelated to a possible ban in the United States.
The layoffs come as tech companies prepare to cut employees this year to cut costs and, in some cases, hire more people skilled in emerging artificial intelligence technologies.
It's unclear how many jobs will be cut at TikTok's U.S. headquarters in Culver City. TikTok employs about 500 people in Culver City, according to city data.
TikTok has launched a legal battle to stop the government from proceeding with a ban on the company in the United States. The company sued the U.S. government and also funded another lawsuit led by TikTok's creators. Both petitions argued that moves to ban or force the sale of the apps violate the First Amendment's free speech protections.
