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Google to Change How Ad Tracking Works on Android

You'll finally have a complete opt-out

By Joshua Hawkins Joshua Hawkins Freelance Technology Reporter Full Sail University Josh Hawkins is a freelance writer for Lifewire who loves writing about the latest tech and gadgets that help make people’s lives easier. As an avid gamer and VR enthusiast, he also enjoys diving deep into the technology that helps bring those kinds of experiences to life. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on June 2, 2021 03:34PM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Internet & Security Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming An updated document has revealed that Android 12 will allow users to completely opt out of personalized ad tracking. Android 12 already has an array of privacy features set to arrive over the coming months, but updated developer documents have revealed that Google is taking things a step further and finally allowing users to opt-out of personalized ad tracking completely. According to 9To5Google, Google updated the document early on Wednesday, noting the changes that would be coming to the opt-out system included in Android 12. Google Google has allowed users to opt-out of personalized advertising for a while now, but this change will effectively make it more similar to Apple’s system, which completely cuts off how users are tracked across multiple apps. With this update, though, Google will now change how the system works. The document reads, "As part of Google Play services update in late 2021, the advertising ID will be removed when a user opts out of personalization using advertising ID in Android Settings. Any attempts to access the identifier will receive a string of zeros instead of the identifier. To help developers and ad/analytics service providers with compliance efforts and respect user choice, they will be able to receive notifications for opt-out preferences." Google has allowed users to opt-out of personalized advertising for a while now, but this change will effectively make it more similar to Apple’s system... Previously, developers could still see your ad ID, even if you had opted out of personalized tracking. This was billed as a way to check analytics or prevent fraud, but it meant your information was still readily available to those developers. Now, though, Google is completely cutting off access to that information. The new changes will go into effect for Android 12 apps sometime in late 2021, with Google claiming it will expand it to all applications available via Google Play services in 2022. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Chromecast Jumps to Android 12, Adds Security and 4K Support The Official Android Versions Guide: Everything You Need to Know Google Pixel Fold: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors How to Manage Android App Permissions Google Pixel Tablet: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors Is Google Play Safe? How to Change the Color of Your Apps on Android How to Limit Ad Tracking on iPhone and iPad Android 12: Release Date, Rumors, Features, and Supported Devices How to Update to Android 12 on Samsung How to Stop Facebook Ads From Tracking You The 10 Best Android 12 Features How to Mute Google Ads Why Won't Google Assistant Work With My Phone? How to Access the Android 12 Security Hub How to Stop Google From Tracking Your Searches Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies