TikTok may be collecting data about you — even if you’ve never downloaded the app.
According to a new investigation by BBC technology journalist Thomas Germain, TikTok’s online tracking tools are expanding across the web, gathering information from thousands of websites through a system known as the TikTok Pixel.
What Is the TikTok Pixel?
The TikTok Pixel is a tracking tool that websites install to monitor visitor activity. It helps advertisers measure whether ads are working and allows TikTok to show targeted ads.
Tracking pixels are common across the internet. Companies like Google and Meta use similar systems.
However, cybersecurity firm Disconnect found that TikTok’s updated pixel collects data in ways that experts describe as unusually invasive.
What Kind of Data Is Being Collected?
The investigation revealed that some websites using TikTok’s pixel transmitted sensitive information, including:
- Health-related details (such as cancer status)
- Fertility inquiries
- Mental health support searches
- Email addresses linked to online forms
Importantly, this tracking happens whether or not a visitor has a TikTok account.
TikTok says websites are responsible for complying with privacy laws and that sensitive health data is not permitted to be shared. The company also says it provides transparency through privacy policies and user controls.
TikTok’s Expanding Advertising Network
In January 2026, TikTok introduced updated advertising systems following changes to its US operations. The updated pixel now allows advertisers to track users beyond the TikTok app — including whether someone who saw an ad later makes a purchase on another website.
Digital advertising watchdog group Check My Ads says this makes TikTok more attractive to advertisers and could expand its data collection footprint even further.
According to privacy-focused search engine DuckDuckGo, TikTok trackers appear on about 5% of the world’s top websites. By comparison, Google trackers appear on roughly 72%, while Meta trackers appear on around 21%.
Is TikTok’s Tracking Dangerous?
Privacy experts warn that detailed online tracking can expose users to risks such as:
- Targeted manipulation
- Political influence campaigns
- Price discrimination
- Exploitative advertising practices
While some users may appreciate more personalized ads, critics argue that the scale of surveillance creates long-term privacy concerns.
How to Protect Yourself from TikTok’s Pixel Tracking
There are practical steps users can take:
1. Switch to a Privacy-Focused Browser
Browsers like Brave, DuckDuckGo Browser, Firefox, and Safari offer stronger privacy protections than Google Chrome, which remains the most widely used browser globally.
2. Install Tracker-Blocking Extensions
Tools such as:
- Privacy Badger
- Ghostery
- uBlock Origin
- Adblock Plus
can help block tracking pixels before they collect data.
3. Use TikTok Privacy Controls
TikTok users can clear off-platform tracking data within the app’s privacy settings. Non-users may request data deletion directly from TikTok.
However, experts note that some data sharing happens server-to-server, which is harder for individuals to control. Stronger privacy laws may ultimately be needed to limit widespread tracking practices.
