TikTok is tracking you even if you don't use the app: we explain how to avoid it

Discover how TikTok tracks you even without the app, and learn practical steps to protect your privacy and stop data collection.

TikTok, one of the most downloaded applications globally, has been the subject of increasing concerns regarding its privacy practices and the vast amount of data it collects. A particularly alarming point is the fact that the platform can continue to track users even when the application is not directly installed on their devices. This phenomenon primarily occurs through the integration of TikTok's tracking tools into third-party websites and other applications. For instance, when a user visits a webpage that contains an embedded TikTok video or uses the "TikTok Pixel" for advertising purposes, the application can gather detailed information about the user's browsing activity, IP address, device data, and online behavior patterns. This data collection is often justified by the need to personalize advertising and enhance the user experience, but it raises serious questions about consent and digital privacy. To counteract this invasive tracking, users can implement several effective strategies. One of the first lines of defense is web browser privacy settings. It is crucial to review and adjust options to block third-party cookies and disable cross-site tracking. Utilizing privacy-focused browsers such as Brave or combining Firefox with extensions like uBlock Origin or Privacy Badger can offer significant protection by actively blocking trackers. Another powerful tool is a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which by masking the user's IP address and encrypting their internet traffic, makes it much harder for third parties to track their online activity. Furthermore, it is vital to be aware of the permissions granted to installed applications, as many request access to sensitive data that could be exploited. Careful reading of the privacy policies of all digital services is crucial. In TikTok's context, even if the app isn't installed, the TikTok Pixel can be omnipresent. Opting out of personalized advertising on platforms like Google and Facebook also reduces exposure. Finally, privacy monitoring tools can alert users to trackers, offering greater control over their digital footprint.