TikTok Accused of Unapproved Tracking of Grindr Users

A prominent European privacy organization has levelled accusations against TikTok for allegedly monitoring user activities across various mobile applications, including the dating platform Grindr. According to the complaint, this tracking occurred without explicit permission and possibly compromised sensitive personal information.

The complaint was initiated by noyb, an abbreviation for None of Your Business. No evidence or claims have surfaced regarding any prior knowledge of such incidents by the organizations involved.

Through investigations initiated by user requests to access their data, noyb discovered that TikTok had been granted access to data from other applications on users' devices. This encompassed usage on Grindr, interactions on LinkedIn, and even items placed in online shopping carts.

Experts in privacy issues have expressed significant concerns, noting that the data in question is especially sensitive. Information regarding sexual orientation is safeguarded under EU regulations to prevent discrimination and ensure privacy rights. The organization insists that such information should not be disclosed without adequate consent.

noyb contends that TikTok may have utilized this information for purposes such as targeted marketing, analytics, and enhancing security features. It asserts that neither Grindr nor AppsFlyer had the legal grounds to transmit this data to TikTok. Furthermore, it emphasizes that TikTok did not provide clear explanations of what user data was collected or its intended use, which contravenes EU privacy norms.

The privacy organization has urged regulatory authorities to probe the matter thoroughly, mandate the cessation of this tracking behavior, and implement penalties if breaches are confirmed. At the time of writing, representatives from TikTok, Grindr, and AppsFlyer have yet to respond.

This incident continues a trend of scrutiny for TikTok within Europe, as it faced significant fines earlier this year regarding its handling of user data. Additionally, Grindr is currently embroiled in legal challenges in the UK, stemming from earlier allegations of sharing health data without proper consent.

Advocates for privacy rights highlight this case as an example of the ongoing challenges facing users in recognizing who collects their data and how it is utilized. There are growing calls for enhanced enforcement to safeguard individuals in an increasingly digital landscape where personal data can be easily shared without user awareness.