Advertising ID explained

An advertising ID is a unique user ID assigned to a mobile device (smart phone, tablet computer), or operating environment, to help advertising services personalize their offers.^[1] It can be sent to advertisers and other third parties which can use this unique ID to track the user's movements, habits, and usages of applications.^[2] There is a potential for such technology to replace magic cookies.^[3]

Implementations

• Apple calls their advertising ID the "Identifier for Advertisers" (IDFA). Beginning with its iOS 14.5 software update, Apple will allow its users to choose whether to allow apps to track their IDFA.^[4]
• Google calls their "Google Advertising ID" (GAID).
• Microsoft uses a similar technology, also called Advertising ID, that is generated for each device and user. In Windows 10 & 11, it can be turned off in the settings panel.^[5]

Notes and References

1. "2016 Mobile App Marketing Glossary". Interactive Advertising Bureau. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
2. News: You can effectively track anyone, anywhere just by the adverts they receive. October 19, 2017. Huffington Post. Tamblyn. Thomas.
3. Web site: Google's new 'advertising ID' is now live and tracking Android phones — This is what it looks like . Edwards, Jim . Business Insider . January 27, 2014 . 29 March 2021 .
4. News: Nguyen. Joanna Stern and Nicole. 2021-04-07. iPhone Apps Asking to Track You? Answers to Your iOS 14.5 Privacy Questions. en-US. Wall Street Journal. 2021-04-11. 0099-9660.
5. Web site: General privacy settings in Windows. Microsoft Support.