vulcan5.branch.io: Branch’s Invasive Behavior Tracker

The domain vulcan5.branch.io is associated with Branch, a platform for deep linking and marketing attribution. It watches your interactions across apps and websites to build profiles for targeted campaigns, invading your privacy. Here’s what it does and how to halt its tracking.

What Is vulcan5.branch.io?

Branch uses this domain to monitor user activity across digital platforms, linking behaviors to marketing efforts. It creates detailed profiles for attribution, but this invasive data collection occurs without clear user permission or awareness.

Data It Collects

When you use apps or click 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 v5.0’.
• Session ID: Ties session actions to one profile.
• Timestamps: Logs actions with exact timing.
• Cookie IDs: Uses codes for cross-session tracking.

This data constructs a detailed view 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 empowers you to resist invasive tracking. Here’s how to block this domain:

• Install Tracker Blockers: Use Privacy Auditor’s tools to stop vulcan5.branch.io scripts.
• Mask with a VPN: Hide your IP using a VPN like Mullvad.
• Turn Off Ad Tracking: Disable ad tracking in device settings.
• Clear Data: Reset app data or caches regularly.
• Block Cookies: Reject cookies to disrupt tracking.

Layer 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.