this post was submitted on 18 Aug 2025
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Privacy

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How does tiktok "know" my network, if I am always behind VPN and no account? (lemmy.dbzer0.com)
submitted 4 days ago by just_an_average_joe@lemmy.dbzer0.com to c/privacy@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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So I decided to use my really old pixel 3a as a test of sorts. It has calyxos, with always on VPN (surfshark). I have no accounts on it, google or anything else. I usually use it for streamio or tiktok.

But I have noticed that I am still getting video recommendations based on what my flatmate watches (we share an internet router). Or what I watch on my other non-VPNed devices.

So what gives?

I am looking for an explanation as to why its happening, not just how to fix it. Btw I also use private DNS so dns leaking is not the likely culprit.

Anyone knows how to debug this info leak?

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[–] just_an_average_joe@lemmy.dbzer0.com 5 points 4 days ago (1 children)

I usually have my location disabled all the time, but thats a good idea. Im pretty sure there should be some kind of logs that mention location history or smth.

As for CalyxOS, its a custom ROM that advertises themselves as privacy friendly so I am assuming their defaults would be privacy friendly.

[–] _cryptagion@lemmy.dbzer0.com 5 points 4 days ago

Location isn’t the only way they can track your position. Things like nearby WiFi networks and the times of day you get on also tell them where you are, because your neighbors probably have their location on and their phones sees the same networks yours does. Not to mention, any other data that the app is allowed to access. If I remember correctly, there’s a long list of information the app requests from the device, and even if you’re behind a VPN and on a custom ROM that refuses to give even half of that data to TikTok, the other half is enough to fingerprint you.

For that matter, the fact you’re using a custom ROM is a big waving flag that advertises your identity. How many people do you figure use CalyxOS in your city? I’d wager the number is less than you think. If it’s a smaller city, you may be the only person TikTok knows who uses it.