Although the visitor's IP address is used to determine their geolocation, we do not record and therefore do not provide the visitor's IP address in our data payload. We do not have plans to include that information for the foreseeable future.
Additionally, an IP address is considered an unreliable means of identifying a user for several reasons:
Shared IP Addresses: Many users can share a single IP address, particularly in environments like public Wi-Fi networks, office networks, or internet service providers (ISPs) using Network Address Translation (NAT). This makes it difficult to distinguish between individual users.
Dynamic IP Addresses: ISPs often assign dynamic IP addresses to users, meaning that the IP address can change periodically. This means that the same user might have different IP addresses over time, complicating the identification process.
Proxy Servers and VPNs: Users can mask their actual IP address by using proxy servers or Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). This makes it appear as though they are accessing the internet from a different location, hiding their true identity.
Mobile Networks: Mobile devices often change IP addresses as they move between different networks (e.g., switching from a mobile data network to a Wi-Fi network), making it difficult to track the same user consistently.
IPv4 Limitations: With the exhaustion of IPv4 addresses, ISPs employ various techniques like Carrier-Grade NAT (CGNAT), where multiple users share a single public IP address. This further blurs the line between individual users.
Geolocation Inaccuracy: While IP addresses can provide a rough estimate of a user’s location, they are not always accurate. Geolocation data based on IP addresses can sometimes be outdated or incorrect.