TikTok Lite security concerns

According to a report, TikTok Lite does not offer the same level of protection as the regular TikTok app. This includes important features such as content warnings for graphic, AI-generated, and misinformation videos, as well as dangerous acts. This lack of protection has the potential to lead to dangerous consequences.

The purpose of TikTok Lite is to cater to emerging markets in continents such as South America, Asia, and Africa. It is designed as a smaller and less resource-intensive version of the popular app TikTok.

According to a report from Mozilla, the app has been found to have numerous inconsistencies that could potentially pose a threat to elections and public health.

According to Mozilla, the app has a user base of more than one billion and does not include warning labels for potentially harmful content, such as hazardous prank videos.

Screenshots showing the content warning differences between TikTok Lite and TikTok — Mozilla

The standard TikTok application attaches a “dangerous acts”label to such content, warning viewers with a disclaimer that reads, “The actions depicted in this video are carried out by professionals or under professional supervision. Do not try to replicate them.”

The report also discovered that TikTok Lite does not include labels for graphic content, health and elections-related misinformation, and AI-generated content. On the other hand, all of these types of content are properly labeled on the regular TikTok app.

“The report noted that our findings are worrisome and highlight the ongoing issue of double standards. Technology platforms have a record of neglecting users in regions outside of the US and EU, where there is less potential for regulation and enforcement.”

The comparison between TikTok Lite and the main TikTok app in Mozilla’s report was conducted through a thorough analysis. The authors examined more than 120 videos and utilized screenshots to record the variations between the two applications.