Identifier for Advertisers

What Does Identifier for Advertisers Mean?

Identifier for Advertisers (IFA or IDFA) is a temporary device identifier used by the Apple set of handheld devices. It provides device identification while giving end users the ability to limit the device/consumer information accessed by advertisers or apps. A successor of Unique Device Identifier (UDID), IFA is available on all devices with versions iOS 6 and later.

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Techopedia Explains Identifier for Advertisers

IDFA replaces and circumvents UDID’s security and privacy issues. IDFA is a like a typical, yet random, serial number that is assigned to each iOS-powered device. Unlike UDID, IDFA is non-permanent and may be activated or deactivated by the user. Based on the user’s activity, the IDFA is sent to the advertising server, which, in turn, displays relevant ads. However, unlike UDID, IDFA does not identify the device or user. Rather, it groups different users by similar search or browsing activity for relevant and targeted advertising.

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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…