Server-Side Opt-Out Recognition Using Unified Identifier Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for opting out of device activity tracking on mobile devices rely on client-side storage, such as cookies, which are prone to deletion and do not provide deterministic identification, leading to uncertain tracking opt-out status.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a server-based system using a unified identifier with improved persistence, verified by unique verification identifiers like carrier IDs or Wi-Fi identifiers, to accurately identify and manage opt-out status across various applications and browsers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If client-side storage (cookies) is used to store opt-out status, then the opt-out status can be stored on the device, but the storage is prone to deletion and does not provide deterministic identification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by moving the opt-out status storage from client-side (device) to server-side (host server). Instead of storing the opt-out indicator in cookies on the mobile device, the system stores it in a database on the host server, associated with a unified identifier. This inversion ensures that the opt-out status cannot be lost through device deletion or browser clearing, as the authoritative record resides on the server.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a unified identifier as an intermediary between the device and the opt-out status. This unified identifier serves as a mediator that links the mobile device to its opt-out status record on the server. The identifier is verified using unique verification identifiers (carrier ID, Wi-Fi identifier), creating a reliable intermediary connection that ensures deterministic identification without relying on volatile client-side storage.
2Productivity
If conventional tracking methods are used, then device activity can be monitored for advertising purposes, but user privacy is compromised when users wish to opt-out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the host server actively verifies the opt-out status of each device before processing tracking requests. When a device makes a request, the server checks the database using the unified identifier and verification identifiers to determine if the device has opted out. This feedback loop ensures that tracking decisions are based on authoritative, verified status information, reliably protecting user privacy while maintaining tracking operations for devices that have not opted out.
3Measurement precision
If multiple identifiers are used for device identification, then identification accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple identification approaches into a unified system. It combines the unified identifier (stored on device) with verification identifiers (carrier ID, Wi-Fi identifier) into a single coherent identification framework. The server-side database consolidates all these identifiers and their associations, managing the complexity centrally rather than distributing it across multiple client-side components. This merging improves identification accuracy while containing complexity in the server infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for identifying an opt-out status for a user's mobile or other computing device without relying exclusively on client-side storage or primarily on the use of non-determinative mechanisms is discussed. Embodiments provide server-based or otherwise hosted techniques of accurately identifying devices of users that wish to opt-out of having their device activity tracked. These techniques enable accurate identification of a device's opt-out status even in the absence of a client-side opt-out indicator.