How does TikTok track users without an account?

TikTok uses a sophisticated advertising algorithm and secret tracking pixels embedded in websites to monitor user activity across the internet, even without an account.

What kind of data does TikTok collect through tracking?

TikTok collects extensive user profiles, including purchase history, email addresses, and sensitive health information such as cancer patient status, fertility issues, and mental illnesses.

Are standard privacy measures effective against TikTok tracking?

Standard privacy measures like uninstalling apps or clearing cookies are ineffective; users need privacy-focused browsers and tracking blockers for protection.

Home / Technology / TikTok Tracks Users Even Without an Account

TikTok Tracks Users Even Without an Account

12 Feb

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Summary

TikTok collects extensive user data, tracking individuals across websites.
Even without an account, TikTok's algorithm can monitor online activity.
Sensitive health and purchase data is gathered via tracking pixels.

TikTok Tracks Users Even Without an Account

A recent analysis has revealed that TikTok's sophisticated advertising algorithm actively tracks users across multiple websites, even if they do not possess a TikTok account. This aggressive tracking is facilitated by secret pixels embedded in websites, which distribute data to an algorithm managed by US investors including Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX.

This data collection strategy aims to create detailed user profiles, amassing information on purchases, email addresses, and sensitive health data. Examples cited include a form where users indicated cancer patient status, with clicks immediately forwarded to TikTok via these embedded pixels. Other instances involved data related to fertility issues and mental illnesses.

Standard privacy practices like uninstalling apps or clearing cookies are proving ineffective against this persistent tracking. Protection requires the use of privacy-focused browsers and dedicated tracking blockers to safeguard personal information from such invasive data-gathering tactics.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.