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    ID Deduplication
    • 01 Apr 2025
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    ID Deduplication

    • Updated on 01 Apr 2025
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    Article summary

    ID Deduplication prevents multiple entries from the same participant ID, ensuring that each respondent only takes the survey once under a unique identifier. This feature is especially useful when working with trusted panels or suppliers who can provide a consistent and verifiable respondent ID.

    Key Benefits

    Guaranteed Participant Uniqueness
    Ensures that each participant can only enter once using a unique ID.

    Reliable Panel Management
    Ideal for studies run through panel providers that assign consistent user identifiers.

    Zero Configuration Required
    dtect handles ID Deduplication automatically for all projects.

    How It Works

    Each participant is required to pass a unique ID into dtect as part of the entry process. If a duplicate ID is detected, the respondent is automatically blocked and flagged with a Security Terminate status.

    ID Deduplication is Required

    At this time, providing a unique ID is required for entry into dtect, and this setting is not configurable. All deduplication logic tied to participant identity relies on this consistent identifier to function properly.

    When to Enable

    No manual activation is required---ID Deduplication is always on and enforced by default for all studies processed through dtect.

    This feature is especially relevant for:

    • Panel-based studies using consistent respondent IDs

    • Loyalty programs or studies involving known users

    • High-value research where identity integrity is critical

    Best Practices

    1. Confirm Supplier Compliance
    Ensure that all suppliers pass in a unique, stable ID for each participant. This is required for proper function.

    2. Avoid Temporary or Recycled IDs
    Dynamic or rotating identifiers may cause false positives or data loss. Work with suppliers to ensure consistency.

    3. Monitor for Misuse
    Use your Progress page to identify unusual patterns such as repeated failed attempts with similar IDs---often a sign of intentional manipulation.

    Troubleshooting

    Missing IDs?
    If you see a spike in participants not making it through the entry process, confirm with your supplier that IDs are being passed correctly in the redirect URL or entry script.

    Unexpected Terminations?
    Some systems reuse IDs across multiple studies. Ensure IDs are truly unique to each participant and not tied to session or browser data.

    💡 Pro Tip

    Unlike other security features, ID Deduplication isn't something you need to toggle---it's always on. To make the most of it, establish clear guidelines with suppliers to ensure stable, unique identifiers are consistently used.

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