Vienna: A European privacy advocacy group has accused TikTok of monitoring user activity on the dating app Grindr and other platforms through a third party tracking system raising fresh concerns over data protection and transparency in the digital advertising industry.
The complaint was filed by the group known as noyb short for None of Your Business with Austria’s data protection authority. It alleges that TikTok gained access to information about a user’s activity on Grindr as well as professional networking platforms using data collected by the analytics firm AppsFlyer.
According to the complaint the tracking occurred through a third party software development kit embedded in multiple apps. This tool allegedly allowed data to flow between apps without users being clearly informed or giving valid consent. The privacy group says the user involved only discovered the extent of the data sharing after repeatedly requesting access to their personal data.
The case raises particular concern because Grindr is a dating app used mainly by gay and bisexual men meaning that app usage data could indirectly reveal sensitive personal information. Under European law such data is subject to stronger protections.
noyb argues that the alleged practice violates the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation or GDPR which requires companies to clearly explain what data they collect how it is used and to obtain explicit consent especially when sensitive data may be involved.
The group is asking regulators to investigate the companies involved order an end to the disputed data practices and impose fines if violations are confirmed. It says the case highlights how third party tracking tools can quietly connect user behaviour across different apps creating detailed profiles without users realising it.
TikTok has previously said it follows local data protection laws and limits how third party tools are used on its platform. AppsFlyer has also stated in earlier cases that it provides analytics services and that its clients are responsible for ensuring legal compliance. Grindr has faced scrutiny in the past over data sharing practices and has said it has taken steps to strengthen user privacy.
The complaint comes at a time of heightened regulatory pressure on technology companies in Europe. Earlier this year TikTok was fined hundreds of millions of euros in a separate case related to data transfers while Grindr is also facing legal action in the United Kingdom over past data handling issues.
As of now regulators have not announced any immediate action on the new complaint. The case is expected to be reviewed by Austrian authorities and could later involve other European regulators depending on the findings.
Privacy experts say the outcome could have wider implications for how apps use third party trackers and how companies balance advertising needs with user consent and transparency.