TikTok is doing everything it can to keep it from growing politically-charged scrutiny.
In the latest round it has opened up to academic researchers through a public data API containing content and account data. Testing the API’s value through it’s Content and Safety Advisory Councils primed it for use by researchers, as the councils provided usability, data quality, and other feedback.
If you’re an academic in the US and want to debunk some conspiracy theories surrounding the very purpose of TikTok you’ll need to apply via the TikTok for Developers website and can expect to hear back within a month. Good luck!