vulcan2.branch.io: Branch’s Invasive Cross-Platform Tracker

The domain vulcan2.branch.io is tied to Branch, a platform for deep linking and marketing attribution. It traces your interactions across apps and websites to build profiles for targeted campaigns, undermining your privacy. Here’s what it does and how to block its tracking.

What Is vulcan2.branch.io?

Branch uses this domain to monitor user journeys across apps and web platforms, linking actions to specific marketing efforts. It creates detailed user profiles for attribution, but this invasive data collection happens without clear user awareness or consent.

Data It Collects

When you interact with apps or links tied to Branch, it captures:

• Device ID: Identifies your device for cross-app tracking.
• IP Address: Reveals your location, often down to a city.
• Ad ID: Logs identifiers like GAID or IDFA for ad tracking.
• Click Data: Records clicks on links or ads, tied to campaigns.
• App Usage: Tracks app opens and in-app actions.
• Browser Fingerprint: Logs browser traits for identification.
• User-Agent: Captures device and app info, like ‘Android App v4.1’.
• Session ID: Ties session actions to one profile.
• Timestamps: Logs actions with exact timing.
• Cookie IDs: Uses codes for cross-session tracking.

This data builds a comprehensive map of your digital behavior.

Who Gets Your Data?

Branch shares your information with:

• App developer: Uses data for marketing attribution.
• Third-party ad network: Tracks campaign performance.
• Analytics provider: Processes user behavior data.
• Cloud host: Like AWS, for data storage.
• Legal authority: Shares data upon request per policy.

How to Protect Yourself

Privacy Auditor helps you fight invasive tracking. Here’s how to block this domain:

• Use Tracker Blockers: Deploy Privacy Auditor’s tools to stop vulcan2.branch.io scripts.
• Mask with a VPN: Hide your IP using a VPN like Mullvad.
• Limit App Tracking: Disable ad tracking in device settings.
• Clear Data: Reset app data or clear caches regularly.
• Block Cookies: Reject cookies to disrupt tracking.

Stack these methods for stronger privacy protection.

Sources

• Branch Privacy Policy: https://branch.io/policies/privacy-policy/
• Branch Documentation: https://help.branch.io/

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