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Microsoft Windows includes a Global Device ID (GDID) that is a permanent, unique identifier linked to each device and user, which cannot be turned off.

TechnologyPrivacyJul 23, 2026score 0.832 posts · 2 replies across 2 instances
The thread discusses Microsoft's confirmation of a Global Device ID (GDID) in Windows, which is a permanent identifier that cannot be turned off and is used for tracking user activities across Microsoft services. The GDID has been used by authorities to identify suspects in hacking cases, raising concerns about privacy and surveillance.

Claims

Microsoft Windows includes a Global Device ID (GDID) that is a permanent, unique identifier linked to each device and user, which cannot be turned off.
Parent: TechnologyEntity: Microsoft WindowsImpact: negativeDate: Jul 23, 2026Target: Microsoft Windows includes a Global Device ID (GDID) that is a permanent, unique identifier linked to each device and user, which cannot be turned off.
The Global Device ID (GDID) in Windows allows Microsoft to track user activities across its services.
Parent: PrivacyEntity: Global Device ID (GDID)Impact: negativeDate: Jul 23, 2026Target: The Global Device ID (GDID) in Windows allows Microsoft to track user activities across its services.
Microsoft uses the Global Device ID (GDID) for tracking user activities, which can be used by authorities to identify suspects in hacking cases.
Parent: SurveillanceEntity: MicrosoftImpact: mixedDate: Jul 23, 2026Target: Microsoft uses the Global Device ID (GDID) for tracking user activities, which can be used by authorities to identify suspects in hacking cases.

Source posts

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Microsoft has confirmed that Windows includes a Global Device ID (GDID), a unique, permanent identifier linked to each device and user, which cannot be turned off. This identifier allows #Microsoft to track user activities across its services. The existence of the GDID became public after it helped authorities identify a suspect linked to a hacking group. The ID is stored in the Windows registry and remains even after updates but changes with a full reinstallation. https://tech.yahoo.com/cybersecurity/articles/microsoft-confirms-windows-global-device-130905358.html
6 boosts · 4 favs · 3 replies · Jul 23, 2026
#microsoft
@[email protected]
Microsoft Confirms Windows Has a Global Device ID You Can't Turn Off https://tech.yahoo.com/cybersecurity/articles/microsoft-confirms-windows-global-device-130905358.html #tech #technology #news #technews #security #privacy #microsoft #GDID
5 boosts · 0 favs · 0 replies · Jul 23, 2026
#tech#technology#news#technews#security#privacy