Asia Tech Wire (May 29) -- An Australian regulator has decided not to investigate TikTok over privacy concerns.

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) announced on Tuesday that it has closed its preliminary inquiries into TikTok, whose purpose was to determine whether it was necessary to launch an investigation into TikTok.

Carly Kind, Privacy Commissioner at the OAIC, said, "From the information before me, there is no clear and obvious breach of Australian privacy law that would warrant opening an investigation."

The statement mentioned, "A regulator like the OAIC must always direct its attention – and its resources – towards where they will have the greatest impact. This case raises issues that are sadly not unique to TikTok, and any litigation or investigation by the OAIC would be on uncertain legal footing."

The OAIC said it is considering next steps to address the broader issues raised by tracking tools, focusing on those that may facilitate the transmission of sensitive information.

Last December, the OAIC launched its preliminary inquiries into TikTok, focusing on the way it handles personal data.

This followed allegations that TikTok used the Pixel tracking tool to collect data including web browsing history and personal information, and to piece together identifying information such as emails, phone numbers, and shopping habits.