TikTok Invests $1 Billion in Shopping Safety and IP Protection Measures

TikTok has invested nearly $1 billion in tools, technology, and personnel to strengthen its e-commerce safety and security protection measures, according to its latest TikTok Shop Safety and Intellectual Property reports released May 4, 2025.

The social media giant has expanded its intellectual property enforcement team to 1,800 staff members, marking a significant commitment to protecting both consumers and sellers on its platform. This investment comes as TikTok continues to expand its in-stream shopping and business marketing capabilities across multiple global markets.

Enhanced Enforcement Actions and Safety Measures

TikTok's enhanced protection systems have yielded substantial results in the latter half of last year:

• Proactively rejected over 7.5 million products for IP rights violations before listing
• Removed more than 750,000 listed products for IP violations
• Stopped over 125,000 livestreams and 550,000 short-form videos due to IP concerns
• Permanently banned 16,000 creators from selling on TikTok Shop
• Deactivated 900 stores for IP violations
• Removed 90,000 restricted and prohibited product listings

Global Market Strategy

As U.S.-China trade tensions continue to impact operations, TikTok is strategically expanding its shopping features across Mexico, South America, Europe, and Asia. This diversification strategy aims to offset potential losses in the U.S. market, where the platform has seen significant adoption of its content management and shopping features.

"The U.S. market impact will be challenging to replace," says Andrew Hutchinson, Content and Social Media Manager. "However, TikTok's expanded focus on other regions may help maintain momentum in their shopping initiatives."

Consumer Protection Initiatives

The platform has implemented additional safety measures including:

• Advanced AI Detection: Enhanced algorithms to identify counterfeit products
• Real-time Monitoring: 24/7 surveillance of shopping activities
• Seller Verification: Stringent authentication processes for new merchants
• Consumer Education Programs: Resources for safe shopping practices

For more information about e-commerce safety measures, visit the Federal Trade Commission's Online Shopping Guide.

The platform's significant investment in safety and protection measures demonstrates its commitment to creating a secure e-commerce environment while adapting to global trade challenges. As TikTok continues to evolve its shopping features, these protective measures will play a crucial role in building trust among users and sellers alike.