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BBC Finds TikTok Receives Web-Browsing Data From Pixels Even Without the App

Researchers say embedded ad pixels on health sites can expose sensitive browsing signals.

Overview

  • BBC reporting shows TikTok-linked tracking pixels on third-party websites can relay visits to pages about cancer screening, fertility, or mental health.
  • The tracking works for people who have never installed TikTok, enabling profiling and ad targeting beyond the platform.
  • DuckDuckGo estimates TikTok trackers appear on roughly 5% of the world’s top websites, underscoring the reach of the tool.
  • TikTok says it is transparent about data use, asserts sensitive information should not be processed, and places responsibility on site operators.
  • Privacy protections include using browsers like DuckDuckGo or Brave and extensions such as Privacy Badger, Ghostery, or uBlock Origin to block trackers.