TikTok also tracks people without accounts

Most websites collect user behavior information and use it for online advertising. In particular, Google and Meta, which are making a lot of money in online advertising, are known, but the non-profit organization Consumer Reports has reported that TikTok is doing the same thing.

TikTok Tracks You Across the Web, Even If You Don't Use App - Consumer Reports

According to Consumer Reports, TikTok works with many companies to collect user information by embedding tiny trackers called 'pixels' on their websites. This includes people who do not have a TikTok account.

Patrick Jackson, CTO (Chief Technology Officer) of security company Disconnect, who conducted a website survey at the request of Consumer Reports, said, ``I'm really surprised that TikTok trackers are so popular. I think people are starting to think that Facebook trackers are everywhere collecting information, but they still don't think TikTok is doing the same. ' said.

Although the number of pixels confirmed is small compared to those of Google and Meta, TikTok's advertising business is exploding, suggesting that data collection may expand.

According to Disconnect, TikTok may collect IP addresses, unique IDs, currently displayed pages, click information, input information, and search information.

Jackson CTO points out that companies that install pixels often don't pay enough attention to their use, and in some cases they don't even know how much data they share.

For example, on the anti-sexual violence organization RAINN's site, pixels were embedded in pages with advice on how to respond after being sexually assaulted. Regarding this, RAINN spokesperson Erin Robinson acknowledged that the use of pixels on the site was incorrect, saying, ``It seems that the contractor in charge of updating the site accidentally enabled it.'' to remove pixels. He also said he would take appropriate action against trackers such as Google, if applicable.

Meanwhile, Michigan State University spokesman Dan Olsen said, 'We use pixels to drive interest in applying and enrolling in courses.' 's potential concern, 'he commented positively on the use of pixels.

'Policymakers are doing nothing to stop this kind of hidden data collection,' said Justin Bruckman, technology policy director at Consumer Reports. It's largely the technology industry that decides what's not, and it's not in our best interests that they have in mind.'