The Short Version
No credible evidence supports the claim that TikTok covertly activates phone microphones or cameras. Both Android and iOS enforce runtime permission gates that structurally prevent any app from accessing these sensors without explicit user consent, and multiple independent security analyses confirm no evidence of TikTok bypassing these protections. While TikTok does raise legitimate privacy concerns — including data sharing practices and extensive data collection — the specific allegation of secret mic/camera activation is unfounded.