Light on Safety: How Tiktok Lite Sacrifices User Protections

Study reveals how TikTok's low-bandwidth app for Global Majority countries lacks critical safety features present in the main app.

07-07-2024

Project overview

Report cover

Our research with Mozilla investigates TikTok Lite, a low-bandwidth alternative to TikTok predominantly used in Global Majority countries. The report exposes concerning disparities between the two apps.

Key findings reveal:

  • TikTok Lite lacks critical safety features present in the main app
  • Missing protections include content filtering options and screen time management tools
  • Warning labels for dangerous, graphic, or misleading content are absent
  • These omissions leave users vulnerable to harmful material and addictive behaviors
  • Over one billion TikTok Lite users worldwide are affected by these reduced protections
  • Implementation of these features is technically feasible within the Lite app framework

The disparity in safety measures creates a two-tier system where users in Global Majority countries receive fewer protections than their counterparts using the flagship app. We urge TikTok to incorporate these essential safety features into TikTok Lite and commit to providing equitable protection for all users regardless of their geographical location or device limitations.

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