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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[–] unicornBro@sh.itjust.works 0 points 4 days ago

I was on a degoogled OS and vpn watching tiktoks as privately as possible when I began getting videos(like 3 in a row) about the awkward posture that I happened to be laying in. Phone camera was off and phone settings were as private as possible.

I looked around and my bro was there watching tiktoks on his Google Android phone. His phone camera was facing right at me.

My conclusion: I was being watched through his normie phone.

Cross device tracking is also a possibility: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1FfVK6sj4I&t=379