In today’s Digest, we discuss TikTok swapping its German Trust and Safety team for AI, Paramount securing exclusive US UFC rights while Fox and ESPN launch a streaming bundle, and Musk’s xAI suing Apple over app store rankings. 

TikTok to swap German Trust & Safety team for AI

TikTok plans to shut down its Berlin-based trust and safety team, laying off 150 employees and shifting moderation work to artificial intelligence and outsourced labour. The team reviews harmful content for the German-speaking market, which has about 32 million active users. The move would cut nearly 40% of TikTok’s Berlin workforce.

Trade union ver.di says it has tried to negotiate severance terms and extend the layoff notice period to one year. Union spokesperson Kalle Kunkel said TikTok has refused to meet, leading workers to strike twice in recent weeks. The Berlin office is the company’s largest hub in Germany, employing about 400 people.

A TikTok spokesperson said the layoffs are intended to “streamline workflows and improve efficiency” while maintaining safety standards. 

Paramount secures exclusive UFC rights; Fox, ESPN to launch a streaming bundle

Paramount has signed a USD$7.7bn (£5.73bn) deal to become the exclusive US broadcaster of the Ultimate Fighting Championship from 2026. The seven year agreement, worth an average of USD$1.1bn (£818m) annually, will see Paramount+ stream all 13 numbered UFC events and 30 Fight Nights each year, with select bouts also airing on CBS. The deal ends UFC’s long-running US pay-per-view model, making premium fights available at no extra cost to subscribers.

Paramount will also have rights to develop original UFC-related content, subject to the MMA group’s approval. The deal marks a major shift for UFC, ending its long-running US pay-per-view model.

Meanwhile, Disney’s ESPN and Fox will launch a USD$40 (£29.76) a month streaming bundle combining their new services. ESPN’s new app priced at USD$30 (£22.32) alone, will stream all network channels, fantasy sports, and highlights. Fox One, priced at USD$20 (£14.88) separately, will offer sports, news, and entertainment. The bundle launches on 2nd October.

Disney will also sell ESPN as part of a Hulu and Disney+ bundle for USD$36 (£26.78), with a USD$30 (£22.32) promotional price for the first year. Fox will offer Fox One with Fox Nation for USD$25 (£18.60) a month or USD$240 (£178.56) annually at launch. Both companies aim to attract cord-cutters seeking consolidated sports and entertainment options.

Sean Breen, executive vice president of Disney platform distribution, said, “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to delivering premium experiences across platforms and meeting consumers where they are—anytime, anywhere.”

Musk’s xAI to sue Apple over app store rankings

Elon Musk said that his AI startup xAI will sue Apple, accusing the company of antitrust violations in how it manages App Store rankings. Musk claims Apple is favoring OpenAI’s ChatGPT, currently the top free iPhone app in the US, while xAI’s Grok ranks fifth and Google’s Gemini sits at 57th.

Musk said in a post on X: "Apple is behaving in a manner that makes it impossible for any AI company besides OpenAI to reach #1 in the App Store, which is an unequivocal antitrust violation. xAI will take immediate legal action."