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Is there a unique ID that can be obtained in GA4 that can be used to identify an individual?

km2
Bronze 4
Bronze 4

We are checking to prove that individuals cannot be identified by the unique ID that can be obtained from GA4.
Are there any of the following IDs that can be obtained with GA4 that would allow GCP services or Google Inc. to identify an individual?

event_bundle_sequence_id
user_id
user_pseudo_id
device.vendor_id
device.advertising_id
app_info.firebase_app_id

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Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is designed with user privacy in mind, and it uses various unique IDs to track user interactions without compromising individual privacy.

None of the unique IDs that can be obtained in GA4 can be used to identify an individual on their own. However, it is possible that Google could identify an individual if they had access to other information about the user, such as their IP address or email address. Google has stated that it does not use device ID to identify individuals, and that it adheres to strict privacy policies and regulations to protect user data.

Here is a list of the unique IDs that can be obtained in GA4:

  • event_bundle_sequence_id: This is a unique identifier assigned to a bundle of events that are sent to Google Analytics at the same time. It cannot be used to identify an individual.
  • user_id: This is a customizable field set by developers, and its value is determined by the website or app owner. It does not necessarily correlate with a logged-in Google account. It is important to ensure that this ID does not contain personally identifiable information (PII) or can't be used to identify an individual directly. Google's terms prohibit sending PII to Google Analytics.
  • user_pseudo_id: This is a temporary ID that is assigned to a user when they visit a website or use an app that uses Google Analytics. It cannot be used to identify an individual.
  • device.vendor_id: This is a unique identifier that is assigned to a device by the device manufacturer. It's worth noting that GA4 does not typically collect or use this ID.
  • device.advertising_id: This is a unique identifier that is assigned to a device by the advertising platform. It is not required for Google Analytics to function.
  • app_info.firebase_app_id: This is a unique identifier that is assigned to an app when it is created using Firebase. It is used to identify the app in Google Analytics and other Firebase services.

It is important to note that businesses using GA4 must adhere to all applicable data privacy regulations and best practices. This includes ensuring that users are informed about how their data is being collected and used, and providing them with meaningful choices about their privacy.

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2 REPLIES 2

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is designed with user privacy in mind, and it uses various unique IDs to track user interactions without compromising individual privacy.

None of the unique IDs that can be obtained in GA4 can be used to identify an individual on their own. However, it is possible that Google could identify an individual if they had access to other information about the user, such as their IP address or email address. Google has stated that it does not use device ID to identify individuals, and that it adheres to strict privacy policies and regulations to protect user data.

Here is a list of the unique IDs that can be obtained in GA4:

  • event_bundle_sequence_id: This is a unique identifier assigned to a bundle of events that are sent to Google Analytics at the same time. It cannot be used to identify an individual.
  • user_id: This is a customizable field set by developers, and its value is determined by the website or app owner. It does not necessarily correlate with a logged-in Google account. It is important to ensure that this ID does not contain personally identifiable information (PII) or can't be used to identify an individual directly. Google's terms prohibit sending PII to Google Analytics.
  • user_pseudo_id: This is a temporary ID that is assigned to a user when they visit a website or use an app that uses Google Analytics. It cannot be used to identify an individual.
  • device.vendor_id: This is a unique identifier that is assigned to a device by the device manufacturer. It's worth noting that GA4 does not typically collect or use this ID.
  • device.advertising_id: This is a unique identifier that is assigned to a device by the advertising platform. It is not required for Google Analytics to function.
  • app_info.firebase_app_id: This is a unique identifier that is assigned to an app when it is created using Firebase. It is used to identify the app in Google Analytics and other Firebase services.

It is important to note that businesses using GA4 must adhere to all applicable data privacy regulations and best practices. This includes ensuring that users are informed about how their data is being collected and used, and providing them with meaningful choices about their privacy.

km2
Bronze 4
Bronze 4

Thanks. That was very helpful.
It was a relief because it was about to become a big issue if individuals could be identified.
If I have any more questions, I will ask them again!