TikTok unlawfully tracks your shopping habits – and your use of dating apps

TikTok is facing scrutiny over its data collection practices, as it unlawfully tracks users' activities even when they're using other applications. This invasive tracking allows the video platform to gather sensitive information, including which dating apps users engage with, raising significant privacy concerns. This data harvesting violates European privacy regulations and underscores the ongoing debate over digital platforms' data collection practices. The platform's data collection extends beyond its own app, monitoring users' shopping habits and other app usage, creating detailed user profiles. This widespread tracking is enabled by various methods, including embedded trackers and data sharing agreements, thus providing insights into users' online behaviours. The practice is under investigation, as it potentially violates the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other data protection laws. This news affects anyone using TikTok and highlights the broader issue of data privacy in the digital age, particularly for social media apps. The development raises questions about data security and the need for stricter enforcement of data protection laws across Europe. It highlights the power dynamic between users and digital platforms and the urgent need for user awareness and regulatory action.
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