#Is facebook tracking IP address code
#Is facebook tracking IP address download

Though this uses the term “may be”, we recommend it is always safest to assume IP addresses fall under the category of personal data when they pertain to an individual. ‘Online identifiers’ includes IP addresses and cookie identifiers which may be personal data. The disagreement over how IP addresses fell under data regulations continued for some time, and the new release of the GDPR classified them as “online identifiers” under personal data, see the following from the ICO: In fact, any company capable of extracting identifying data from your IP address must count it as personal data… You see how it gets complicated?! This being said, ISPs must count IP addresses as personal data, as they hold the ability to match the address to your personal details. However, an IP address needs to be public in order to work, and without the personal data held by your ISP matching your name with the IP address, there are very few who can discover your details from nothing but an IP. IP addresses fall on a fuzzy line they are individual to your device, so can be tracked back to you. Any data considered personal, must only be gathered, stored, processed and used in accordance with the necessary legal regulations. This includes your name, and often detail such as email address, health information and residence. Though not all countries work under the GDPR, this definition is broad in that many countries see personal data as information pertaining directly to the individual in question, allowing them to be identified. who can be indirectly identified from that information in combination with other information.can be identified or who are identifiable, directly from the information in question or.Personal data only includes information relating to natural persons who: The ICO explains personal data under the GDPR as follows: The personal data debate relating to IP address trackingĮach data regulation has a different definition of personal data, but they all follow a similar line. Here are some of the problems with IP addresses and their place in our data world: IP addresses remain a questionable topic under data protection regulations, as it’s difficult to find exactly how they fit into laws around classifying and processing data.

They contribute so highly to our digital world, without IP addresses, we would be in serious trouble! Why the legal questions around IP address tracking? This helps businesses gain a deeper understanding of their online audience, tailor campaigns to better suit their prospects and improve lead generation efforts. Using IP address tracking allows businesses to gain some exciting insights, including the locations of their website visitors, contributing to advanced web analytics.

#Is facebook tracking IP address download

They enable us to pass data easily between devices and platforms, without the need to download information manually onto a CD or other external storage for transfer. IP addresses are not new, they have been a vital part of our online world for a few decades now. This advancement allows IANA to ensure enough IP addresses can be distributed to support the global demand for increased electronic connectivity and digital dependence.

#Is facebook tracking IP address code

The growing number of electronic devices in circulation has promoted the development of a new IP address format, shifting from a 32-bit number in 4 parts to a 128-bit hexadecimal code in 8 parts. This assigned IP address allows users to identify and communicate with websites, applications and other devices.Īll IP addresses are assigned by your internet service provider (ISP), who procure the addresses from IANA (the internet assigned numbers authority), where all IP addresses are managed and distributed globally.

Data regulations always strive to protect us as individuals, and ensure our data is treated with care and respect, but how does this work for our IP addresses? And what does this mean for businesses using IP tracking? What is an IP address?Īn Internet Protocol (IP) address is a unique identifier assigned to an electronic device, enabling it to connect with the internet and other networks. IP addresses come in many forms, and experts have had difficulties calculating where they best sit within data categories. However, there has been a question surrounding IP addresses and how different governing bodies regard their status within data protection regulations. IP address tracking is a popular addition to many digital marketing mixes, helping improve audience understanding and boost lead generation.