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Glossary > Privacy > Mobile And App Privacy > General
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Mobile Device ID

A Mobile device ID is a unique identifier assigned to a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, that allows app developers and advertisers to track users across different apps and websites for targeted advertising and analytics purposes.

Example #1

When you install a new app on your phone, a Mobile device ID may be generated to distinguish your device from others. This ID is then used to track your activity within the app and across other platforms.

Misuse

Misuse of Mobile device IDs can lead to intrusive tracking of users' personal information and behavior without their knowledge or consent. For instance, if a malicious app accesses your Mobile device ID without permission, it could track your every move, including sensitive activities like banking transactions or medical appointments.

Benefits

One of the benefits of using Mobile device IDs is for personalized advertising and analytics. For example, when a user interacts with a shopping app, the Mobile device ID can help provide personalized product recommendations based on their browsing history within the app.

Conclusion

Consumers and employees should be cautious about how Mobile device IDs are used to ensure their privacy and security are protected. Understanding how your Mobile device ID is collected and used by apps can help you make informed decisions about sharing personal information.

Related Terms

Personally Identifiable Information (PII)TrackingMobile TrackingData PrivacyConsent

Last Modified: 4/30/2024
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