OAIC Releases Statement on TikTok Preliminary investigation No violation found

TapTechNews May 29 news, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (hereinafter referred to as OAIC) released a Statement on the Preliminary investigation of TikTok, stating that TikTok did not apparently violate Australian privacy laws and there was no need to further investigate.

The OAIC is an independent agency within the jurisdiction of the Australian Minister of Justice, mainly responsible for privacy, freedom of information and government information policies, including conducting investigations, reviewing decisions, handling complaints, and providing guidance and advice.

In late 2023, the OAIC launched a preliminary investigation against TikTok, accusing TikTok of using the Pixel tracking tool to collect data including web browsing history and personal information, and piecing together identity information such as email addresses, phone numbers and shopping habits.

TapTechNews attached the full translation of the statement:

Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind said:

My office has ended the preliminary investigation of TikTok. The purpose of the preliminary investigation is to determine whether it is necessary to launch an investigation. From the information I received, there is no apparently violation of Australian privacy laws, so there is no need to launch an investigation.

Regulatory agencies like the OAIC must always direct their attention and resources to areas that can have the greatest impact. Unfortunately, the issues raised in this case are not unique to TikTok, and any litigation or investigation by the OAIC would be on an uncertain legal basis.

The Pixel is one of many tracking tools including Cookies, which allows for fine-grained monitoring of users on the Internet and social media platforms. Many of these tracking tools are harmful, invasive, and undermine online privacy.

We urgently need to reform the Privacy Act. This is the best way to address the most harmful aspects of the digital ecosystem.

We are considering the next steps to address the broader issues raised by tracking tools, which have become commonplace on today's websites, with a focus on those that may facilitate the transfer of sensitive information. We will also issue information on the key privacy issues that organizations must consider when configuring and deploying tracking tools on their websites.