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?
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