i-sdk.mediation.unity3d.com: How Unity Tracks Your Ad Interactions

Unity Technologies operates i-sdk.mediation.unity3d.com to manage ad mediation for apps and games using their platform. This tracker logs your ad interactions and personal data to fuel targeted advertising, often at the expense of your privacy. Let’s explore its invasive methods.

What Is i-sdk.mediation.unity3d.com?

This domain supports Unity’s ad mediation system, connecting apps with multiple ad networks while tracking user behavior. It gathers data to ensure ads are personalized, but this comes with significant privacy costs. As Privacy Auditors, we’re troubled by the depth of tracking involved.

Data It Collects

When you interact with ads in a Unity app, this tracker captures:

• Geolocation: IP-based location down to city or neighborhood.
• IP Address: Unique identifier tied to your connection point.
• Ad Interactions: Specific ads clicked or viewed with timestamps.
• User ID: Persistent tag linking actions across Unity apps.
• Device Information: Model, OS like ‘OnePlus 9, Android 13’.
• Behavioral Data: Engagement metrics and app usage patterns.
• Advertising ID: Unique identifier for cross-device ad tracking.
• Cookie IDs: Tracking markers for consistent monitoring.

This data constructs a detailed profile for ad targeting.

Who Gets Your Data?

Your information is distributed to:

• Unity Ads mediation network: For ad delivery and targeting.
• Third-party advertiser: Using data for personalized campaigns.
• Analytics partner: Processing interaction and device data.
• Government entity: Upon legal request, sharing IP and user data per Unity’s policy.

How to Protect Yourself

Privacy Auditors are dedicated to helping you reclaim privacy. Follow these steps:

• Use a VPN: Hide your IP with a service like Mullvad to mask location.
• Block Trackers: Use Privacy Auditor tools to stop Unity domains.
• Reset Ad ID: Clear your device’s advertising ID to disrupt tracking.
• Limit Ad Exposure: Avoid interacting with in-app ads when possible.

Combine these tactics for stronger defense against tracking.

Sources

• Unity Privacy Policy: https://unity.com/legal/privacy-policy
• Unity Ads Documentation: https://docs.unity.com/ads/en-us/manual/ImplementingDataPrivacy

This is a legal disclaimer. All information is provided for educational purposes only.