TikTok Accused of Tracking Users Even When Not on the App

New privacy concerns raised over TikTok's data-gathering practices and expanded ad system

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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TikTok is facing allegations that it is tracking user activity and data even when people are not using the app, including gathering information from websites about disease diagnoses, mental health issues, and other sensitive personal details. This comes after TikTok was sold to a new ownership group including Oracle, Silver Lake, and an Emirati investment firm, raising cybersecurity concerns. The platform has also expanded its ad system to display targeted ads on other websites using an invasive new pixel tracking tool.

Why it matters

These revelations about TikTok's data harvesting practices raise serious privacy concerns, as the app is accused of exploiting user information in ways that could lead to targeted advertising, price discrimination, and other forms of digital coercion. The expanded data collection also poses potential national security risks given TikTok's new ownership structure.

The details

According to reports, TikTok's new pixel tracking tool is able to intercept data sent to Google by websites, even without the sites' explicit consent. This allows TikTok to amass more user information than before, including details about purchases made outside of the app. Experts warn that algorithms can use this data to "exploit" users in various ways. Additionally, TikTok now collects GPS location data from users who enable location services, a change from the app's previous Chinese ownership.

  • In February 2026, the BBC tech writer Thomas Germain reported on TikTok's data harvesting practices.
  • Last month, TikTok was sold to a new ownership group including Oracle, Silver Lake, and an Emirati investment firm.

The players

TikTok

A popular video-sharing social media platform that is now under new ownership after being sold to a consortium including Oracle, Silver Lake, and an Emirati investment firm.

Peter Dolanjski

The executive director of product at the privacy firm DuckDuckGo, who warned that TikTok's data collection practices could be used to "exploit" users.

Thomas Germain

A BBC tech writer who reported on TikTok's alleged data harvesting from websites, including information about disease diagnoses and mental health issues.

Donald Trump

The former US president who orchestrated a deal that allowed TikTok to continue operating in the US under new ownership.

Joe Biden

The current US president who, along with the Trump administration, claimed that TikTok presented a cybersecurity risk to the US and its citizens.

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What they’re saying

“Algorithms can use this data to exploit you. It could be coercing you to buy something, it could be political campaigns, it could be price discrimination.”

— Peter Dolanjski, Executive Director of Product, DuckDuckGo

“When I clicked a button on a form that said I was a cancer patient or a survivor, the website sent TikTok my email address along with those details.”

— Anonymous User (BBC)

What’s next

The Biden and Trump administrations will likely continue to scrutinize TikTok's data practices and potential national security risks posed by the app's new ownership structure.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing concerns over the extent to which social media platforms like TikTok are collecting and exploiting user data, even when users are not actively using the app. It underscores the need for stronger privacy protections and transparency around data-gathering practices.