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How does tiktok "know" my network, if I am always behind VPN and no account? (lemmy.dbzer0.com)
submitted 1 week 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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[-] floofloof@lemmy.ca 7 points 1 week ago

I'm not familiar with CalyxOS, but could something be reporting your location? Could something be watching which WiFi networks are available to your phone? Such things could be used to figure out your phone is in the same household as the other devices.

[-] just_an_average_joe@lemmy.dbzer0.com 5 points 1 week ago

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.

this post was submitted on 18 Aug 2025
41 points (100.0% liked)

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