TikTok’s popularity has skyrocketed, with over 1 billion monthly active users. However, concerns around privacy and data collection have followed its meteoric rise. TikTok’s ability to track users – even those without an account – has come under scrutiny.
In this article, we’ll explore what data TikTok collects, how it tracks users, whether it can track those without an account, and expert perspectives on TikTok’s privacy practices. We’ll also discuss steps you can take to protect your privacy and look at TikTok’s response to privacy criticisms.
What Data Does TikTok Collect?
According to recent research, TikTok collects a significant amount of data from its users.
This includes user data such as username, password, email address, phone number, and other profile information that users provide when creating an account on TikTok (IdentityReview.com, 2023). TikTok’s privacy policy states that they may collect user content such as the videos, images, and audio users upload.
TikTok also collects device data including IP address, operating system version, unique device identifiers, browsing history, and location data. They access device sensors such as gyroscope, magnetometer, and accelerometer data. According to IdentityReview.com (2023), TikTok even has the ability to access clipboard content on iOS devices.
Experts note that the amount of data collection by TikTok is more extensive compared to similar social media platforms. The primary concern lies in the access granted to TikTok engineers, paired with the broad user data collection defined in their privacy policy (JSTOR, 2021).
How Does TikTok Track Users?
TikTok employs a variety of tracking methods to gather data on users, both on and off the platform. One method is through the use of cookies, which are small text files that websites place on a user’s browser to store information. TikTok uses cookies to track users’ behavior, engagement, preferences, and more across visits (Germain, 2022).
TikTok also utilizes tracking pixels, which are tiny images embedded in websites and ads that allow TikTok to monitor user activity. When a user visits a site or ad containing a TikTok tracking pixel, data is sent back to TikTok on that user’s actions (Strom, 2022). This allows TikTok to target ads and build user profiles.
Additionally, TikTok engages in a practice called device fingerprinting. This is where the platform collects data points about a user’s specific device, like operating system, browser type, screen resolution, installed fonts, and more. These data points come together to form a unique fingerprint for that device. So even if a user clears their cookies, TikTok can still identify their device (Germain, 2022).
Can TikTok Track Non-Users?
Yes, TikTok can track people who don’t have an account on their platform. This is done through various methods like cookies, advertising IDs, and integrating with third-party services.
TikTok and its parent company ByteDance use cookies and pixel trackers to gather data on users browsing websites that have integrated TikTok code or advertising. These cookies can identify and track non-users by assigning unique identifiers to their browsers or devices. Even if you don’t click on or interact with TikTok content, their cookies can still follow you around the web and build a profile with the sites you visit (source).
In addition to cookies, TikTok relies on advertising IDs like those from Google and Apple to target and track people, even if they don’t have an account. These unique identifiers allow them to connect non-users’ web browsing and app usage data across platforms (source).
TikTok also partners with third-party services like apps, websites and ad platforms to gain more data on non-users. For example, integrating their SDKs in other apps allows them to collect device and usage information on people who have never signed up (source).
Examples of TikTok Tracking Non-Users
Even if you don’t have a TikTok account, the app can still gather data about you through tracking pixels embedded on websites you visit. According to Consumer Reports, TikTok pixels allow the app to collect information like your IP address, location, what content you view, and details about the device you’re using.
Consumer Reports found TikTok trackers on popular sites like Amazon, CNN, NBC News, and even websites related to sensitive topics like domestic violence, birth control, and dieting. Visiting any site with an embedded TikTok pixel means your data can be sent to TikTok’s servers, according to researchers.
Other examples of non-TikTok users being tracked include a 2021 Vice News investigation that found TikTok was accessing clipboard data from non-users’ devices. The app admitted to collecting this data but said it was an anti-spam measure and quickly updated the app to stop the practice.
Protecting Your Privacy
Although TikTok does collect data on non-users, there are steps you can take to limit its ability to track you:
Use a tracker blocker – Install browser extensions like Ghostery or Privacy Badger to prevent TikTok pixels and analytics scripts from loading.
Disable cookies – Browser settings can block third-party cookies which track your browsing history across sites. This limits ad targeting and tracking.
Avoid TikTok ads – Clicking on TikTok ads allows placing tracking cookies even if you don’t have an account. Be wary of interacting with any TikTok content.
Use anti-tracking browsers – Browsers like Brave block trackers by default and disable fingerprinting techniques.
Monitor permissions – Check app permissions on your mobile device and limit access to location, contacts, camera if unused by an app.
TikTok’s Response
TikTok has denied allegations that it tracks users who don’t have an account on its platform. In response to a recent report from Forbes claiming TikTok planned to track non-users, TikTok stated that it “does not collect precise GPS location information” from devices without the app installed.
TikTok acknowledged that it does collect some data like IP addresses and coarse device locations to operate its service, secure the platform, and personalize content. However, the company asserted that this data collection is standard practice across the industry and complies with applicable laws.
Overall, TikTok maintains that it respects user privacy and does not track individuals without their consent. The company characterized allegations of surreptitious tracking of non-users as inaccurate.
Expert Perspectives
Many experts have voiced concerns over TikTok’s invasive tracking practices and disregard for user privacy. According to an ethics professor interviewed in a CNN article, “TikTok’s practices of surreptitious data collection are unethical. Users have a reasonable expectation of privacy and that expectation is violated.” A lawyer focused on technology risks told Consumer Reports that “TikTok’s tracking of users, including non-users, appears to violate U.S. privacy laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act.” They went on to say that “Regulators should investigate and take action.”
According to a cybersecurity expert quoted on TikTok’s own Expert Opinions page, “TikTok has a responsibility to be transparent with users about data collection, provide clear consent, and give users control over their data.” While TikTok claims security is a priority, technical experts say their intrusive tracking should not be taken lightly, as it raises many ethical concerns about user privacy and consent.
The Bigger Picture
The issue of TikTok tracking non-users highlights larger concerns around privacy and surveillance in the digital age. Many tech companies are collecting vast amounts of data on all of us, often without our knowledge or consent. This extends beyond apps like TikTok to include search engines, social media platforms, e-commerce sites, and more.
Some argue this pervasive data collection is necessary for companies to provide personalized services and advertising, develop AI, and stop harmful content. But others raise alarms about the tremendous power these tech giants have to monitor our activities, analyze our behaviors, and influence our thinking.
Critics say existing regulations have failed to protect user privacy and curb corporate surveillance. There are calls for tougher privacy laws, restrictions on data mining, and transparency about how our information is collected and used. But finding the right balance between innovation and privacy remains a huge challenge.
At stake is not just what ads we see or videos we’re recommended. Surveillance capitalism threatens core democratic values like autonomy, free will, and independent thought. The TikTok debate provides a glimpse into much larger issues that society is grappling to address.
Conclusion
In summary, there are a few key points to keep in mind regarding TikTok’s ability to track non-registered users. TikTok collects extensive data from users, including device information, location, network details, and browsing history. Through advanced tracking methods like browser fingerprints and mobile advertising IDs, TikTok can identify and monitor individuals even without them having an account. While TikTok claims not to target or profile non-users, experts have demonstrated the potential to correlate unregistered users with their devices and behaviors.
Ultimately, users have limited control over their data collected by TikTok unless they proactively protect their privacy through methods like resetting advertising IDs, using anti-tracking browsers or VPNs, and avoiding the app if not registered. While TikTok provides entertainment value, it’s important for individuals to weigh the risks and make informed choices regarding their privacy and how much personal data they feel comfortable sharing.
