Australia’s privacy watchdog is inquiring into TikTok’s handling of user’s personal information. The social Media site is under spotlight after allegations against privacy breaches. Privacy commission is inquiring data collection even of those people who don’t have Tik Tok downloaded on their phones.
TikTok is harvesting Australian user’s data through a tool called pixel. The data is not limited to email addresses but also phone numbers and internet browsing histories. The major concern is that the data is collected from everyone. Even from those who do not have a tik tok app installed on their phone. The pixel is designed to collect information including shopping habits, person’s identity without consent or knowledge.
This primary investigation’s results will determine whether to fully investigate the company or not. Privacy commissioner said, ‘’Strong privacy protections are critical to addressing the privacy risks faced by Australians online. ‘’
Meanwhile, TikTok has declined the allegations saying that pixels are used widely in the industry. It is a tool used to improve the effectiveness of advertising services. They also said that it’s voluntary for the advertising clients to adopt.
TikTok further said that Australian users’ data is stored in data centers in US and Singapore and their data is encrypted.
