The short answer is yes, TikTok can spy on you even if you don’t have an account. TikTok collects data from users and non-users alike through various methods. While much of this data collection is common among social media platforms, TikTok’s privacy practices have come under scrutiny due to its ownership by a Chinese company.
How TikTok Gathers Data on Non-Users
Here are some of the ways TikTok can collect data on people without them having an account:
Device and Connection Information
Like most apps, TikTok accesses basic device and connection details like IP address, device ID, operating system, etc. This allows them to identify and track devices even if there’s no TikTok account associated with it.
Browser Cookies and Tracking Tools
TikTok uses cookies and tracking pixels on their website and embeddable widgets to monitor user activity. So even if you don’t have the app, simply visiting a website with a TikTok embed can allow them to create a profile and track your browsing habits.
Contact Upload and Matching
When TikTok users upload their contact lists, the app checks for matches among current members. This allows TikTok to build shadow profiles of non-users if their number is uploaded by a friend who uses TikTok.
Facial Recognition
TikTok’s facial recognition technology can identify people who appear in videos uploaded by others. So you could be tagged in a TikTok video and added to their database without consent or knowledge.
Metadata From Videos and Images
Videos and images uploaded to TikTok contain metadata like geotags, timestamps, and device details. TikTok likely analyzes this metadata to gather intel on both creators and bystanders who don’t have an account.
What Kind of Data Does TikTok Collect on Non-Users?
In addition to the usual device identifiers, IP address, operating system details etc., here are some of the more specific data points TikTok can gather on people without accounts:
- Physical location based on IP address and geotagged content
- Browsing history via cookies and trackers
- Potential age, gender, race, ethnicity based on facial recognition
- Phone number if uploaded by a user’s contacts
- Details about a non-user’s social graph via contact lists
- Interests and preferences via browsing patterns
How Does TikTok Use This Data?
TikTok may use data gathered on non-users for various purposes including:
- Targeted advertising – Interests and demographics can help serve relevant ads
- Recommendation algorithm – Even without an account, TikTok can learn viewing preferences
- Shadow profiles – Non-user data can be tied together into detailed profiles
- Future growth – Identify high-value users to target with sign-up campaigns
- Security – Detect bots, spam accounts and other risks
Is TikTok’s Data Collection Legal?
The legality of TikTok’s data harvesting practices is questionable for a few reasons:
- Lack of user awareness and consent – Most non-users don’t know TikTok is collecting their data
- COPPA violations – TikTok likely collects data on underage non-users, which is prohibited
- Insufficient data protection – Numerous security lapses have exposed user data
- Foreign ownership – TikTok’s China-based parent company raises national security concerns
While not conclusively illegal, many experts argue TikTok’s data collection methods are unethical. There have been multiple lawsuits, fines, and investigations into TikTok’s privacy practices.
How Can Non-Users Protect Their Privacy and Data?
Here are a few tips for non-TikTok users concerned about their privacy:
- Avoid TikTok embeds – Use ad blockers and privacy plugins to stop embeds from loading.
- Clear cookies & cache – Wipe TikTok website data from your browser frequently.
- Use a VPN – Mask your IP address so TikTok can’t pinpoint your location.
- Opt out – Use TikTok’s privacy portal to opt out of targeted ads.
- Limit metadata – Adjust camera settings to remove geotags and other metadata.
- Be vigilant on other platforms – TikTok likely partners with platforms like Facebook and Google to share data.
Ultimately though, avoiding TikTok completely is the only surefire way to prevent it from collecting your data without consent. TikTok’s practices raise serious ethical questions about digital privacy in the modern age.
TikTok Alternatives That Prioritize Privacy
If you’re concerned about TikTok’s data practices but still want to use a short-form video app, here are a few more privacy-focused alternatives:
- YouTube Shorts – YouTube’s TikTok clone with stronger security policies.
- Triller – Popular TikTok rival with opt-in geotagging and limited data harvesting.
- Storyo – New short video app with built-in anonymity features.
- Clash – TikTok-style app that only stores data temporarily on devices.
- Litehouse – Video platform where all data stays on your phone and is deleted after 48 hours.
Conclusion
In summary, TikTok has the ability to monitor and profile non-users in various ways without their consent. While this raises privacy concerns, individuals do have some options to protect their data. Ultimately though, legislative action on data privacy practices may be needed to ensure platforms like TikTok aren’t violating consumer rights.
