Android 13 brings several changes and updates to enhance user privacy and security. One significant change is the way advertising identifiers (Ad IDs) are handled. Ad IDs, also known as Google Advertising IDs (GAID), are unique identifiers associated with Android devices that help advertisers track user activity for personalized advertising. However, with growing concerns about user privacy, Android 13 introduces a new Advertising ID declaration requirement and offers ways to control Ad ID access. In this blog post, we’ll explore these changes and provide guidance on resolving any issues that may arise.

What is the Advertising ID Declaration?

The Advertising ID Declaration is a new privacy measure introduced in Android 13 to give users more control over their advertising identifiers. It requires apps to declare their intended use of Ad IDs, such as for advertising or analytics purposes, during the installation process. Users can then choose to grant or deny apps access to their Ad IDs, allowing them to make more informed decisions about their data privacy.

Why is the Advertising ID Declaration Important?

The Advertising ID (AAID) is a unique identifier that Google assigns to each Android device. It is used by advertisers to track users across different apps and devices and to serve more targeted ads.

In Android 13, Google is making changes to the way the AAID is used. Apps that target Android 13 or higher will need to declare whether they use the AAID and, if so, how they use it. This declaration is necessary to ensure that users have control over how their data is used and to prevent advertisers from tracking users without their consent.

The Advertising ID Declaration is important for several reasons:

1. Enhanced User Privacy: It empowers users by giving them greater control over their data. They can now make informed decisions about which apps can access their Ad ID for personalized advertising.
2. Reduced Tracking: Users can deny Ad ID access to apps that they do not trust or find intrusive, reducing the extent of tracking by advertisers and third-party companies.
3. Compliance with Regulations: It aligns Android app development with privacy regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which require explicit user consent for data collection.

How to Complete the Advertising ID Declaration

To fulfill the Advertising ID declaration, follow these steps:

1. Manifest File Modification

• If your app contains ads, add the following permission to your app’s manifest file:

<uses-permission android:name="com.google.android.gms.permission.AD_ID" />

• If your app doesn’t include ads, use the following manifest file declaration:

<uses-permission android:name="com.google.android.gms.permission.AD_ID" tools:node="remove"/>

2. Google Play Console Form

You will also need to complete the Advertising ID declaration form in the Google Play Console. This form requests information about how your app utilizes the AAID, including whether you use it for ad targeting, ad performance measurement, or sharing with third-party SDKs.

How to resolve the “You must complete the advertising ID declaration before you can release an app that targets Android 13 (API 33) or higher” issue

If you are trying to release an app that targets Android 13 and you are seeing the “You must complete the advertising ID declaration before you can release an app that targets Android 13 (API 33) or higher” issue, you need to complete the Advertising ID declaration form in the Google Play Console.

To do this, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Google Play Console.
2. Select the app that you are trying to release.
3. Click Policy and programs > App content.
4. Click the Actioned tab.
5. Scroll down to the Advertising ID section and click Manage.
6. Complete the Advertising ID declaration form and click Submit.

Once you have submitted the form, it will be reviewed by Google. Once your declaration is approved, you will be able to release your app to Android 13 or higher devices.

Conclusion

The Advertising ID declaration is a new requirement for apps that target Android 13 or higher. By completing the declaration, you can help to ensure that users have control over how their data is used and prevent advertisers from tracking users without their consent.

I personally believe Android 13’s Advertising ID Declaration requirement is a significant step toward enhancing user privacy and transparency in mobile app advertising. By allowing users to control access to their Ad IDs, Android empowers users to make informed choices about their data. App developers must adapt to these changes by correctly implementing the declaration and respecting user decisions. By doing so, developers can build trust with their users and ensure compliance with privacy regulations, ultimately creating a safer and more user-centric app ecosystem.