Abstract
An identifier that uniquely identifies a device can be abused to track device behavior over extended periods of time. This disclosure describes techniques to obtain data relating to devices in a manner that limits a service provider or device manufacturer to data that is essential for their purposes, resulting in privacy-conscious data acquisition. Multiple distinct identifiers are assigned to a device such that individual features or functions of the device are assigned a respective unique identifier. Combining insights of the device behavior across functions is prevented. The multiple distinct identifiers each have a limited lifetime and expire after a certain timeout. Upon expiry, an identifier is replaced by another distinct identifier, thereby limiting behavioral analysis of the device to short periods of time and to specific functions or features.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Archer, Branden; Mukherjee, Mekhola; and Anthonysamy, Pauline, "Feature-specific Automatically Expiring Device Identifiers for Enhanced Privacy", Technical Disclosure Commons, (January 29, 2024)
https://www.tdcommons.org/dpubs_series/6631