Why do "share" links include user IDs? [duplicate]

Question

I've noticed that the "share" links on answers and comments note that they not only include the answer ID, but the user's ID as well:

Why does Stack Exchange do this? Obviously, it is tracking it, but for what purpose? Does this affect the user?

I feel there should be a switch or option for this, as some people are more conscious of privacy, and not wanting to be tracked, rather than badges or incentives. At least Stack Exchange tells us about the embedded ID. — Sam Watkins, Commented Aug 22, 2020 at 14:52

ChrisF · Accepted Answer · 2017-03-09 23:46:42Z

37

They include your id so you can earn the Announcer, Booster and Publicist badges:

https://meta.stackexchange.com/help/badges

as far as I know that's the only use of the user id in the link.

answered Mar 9, 2017 at 23:46

ChrisFMod

101k32 gold badges257 silver badges472 bronze badges

Add a comment |

Catija · Accepted Answer · 2017-03-09 23:46:16Z

10

You get a badge for it. Who doesn't like incentives?

The three badges are Announcer (bronze), Booster (silver), and Publicist (gold).

answered Mar 9, 2017 at 23:46

Catija

111k46 gold badges296 silver badges422 bronze badges

17

“Who doesn't like incentives?“ people who do not want their id to be tracked without their consent meta.stackexchange.com/questions/74274/…
– Michael Freidgeim
Commented Jul 2, 2021 at 22:50

Add a comment |

2 Answers 2