Is the IP Address Rule Outdated?

[southernhorizons]

I know that this is FC's site, and they can make whatever rules they want. But it seems like their "One account per IP address" rule is outdated. I read online that more and more ISP's are going to dynamic IP's, where your IP address changes every so often, and they recycle old ones. Also, more and more people are getting away from computers, and using tablets and smartphones instead. There are other GPT sites that have mobile versions (like InstaGC and Swagbucks), so I think the advertisers realize that everyone isn't only going to have one IP address any more. They don't seem to have a problem with possible duplicate accounts or fraud.

[keauhou]

I would love to be able to do FC on my ipad when I travel because I never lug my laptop and I miss valuable FC time.

[jgw007]

So what happens if someone uses a public location, like a library, where there could be multiple users of FC? Do they track and compare all IP addresses? Seems like overkill to me.

[Administrator]

ISPs has been using dynamic IPs since long before FC started (2005).  There's no issue with them on our side, nor is there a problem with using a phone or tablet (even on a mobile network) to participate in mobile-friendly parts of the site.

The issue is in sharing any kind of connection (mobile, dynamic, etc) with multiple FC users.  It's pretty much a logical extension of the "one account per household" rule.  If you follow that, you don't need to worry about your IPs.

So what happens if someone uses a public location, like a library, where there could be multiple users of FC? Do they track and compare all IP addresses? Seems like overkill to me.

As a rule, we advise against completing offers on public connections like at a library since you have no way of knowing if someone else is doing/has done/will do the same.  And if two of you complete the same survey or offer on the same connection, one or both of you are likely to have that credit revoked.

[jgw007]

It's interesting...
But a bit narrow sighted, me thinks.
For example, my apartment complex has "free" Internet (included in the rent). Each building in the complex has it's own router... one router for 36 apartments. As far as I know, to the Internet, every computer behind that router would have the same IP address. So, if anyone else in my building joins FC... I could get credits revoked???

[abbyjhill15]

I have never had to deal with this issue but as far as I know it is still a rule.  Maybe send in a support ticket?

[Administrator]

It's interesting...
But a bit narrow sighted, me thinks.
For example, my apartment complex has "free" Internet (included in the rent). Each building in the complex has it's own router... one router for 36 apartments. As far as I know, to the Internet, every computer behind that router would have the same IP address. So, if anyone else in my building joins FC... I could get credits revoked???

Generally speaking if it's clear you weren't attempting any kind of fraud, only the newer account would have credits revoked in this hypothetical situation.  However, depending on the timing and the advertiser, it's possible you could both lose credit.  Credit rejects are at the advertiser's discretion and this would be the case no matter which site you're working on (although some do not have revokes and instead pay out less for each offer/opportunity to make up for it).

[bigedshult]

use the hotel's ip while there so we don't lose out on doing the click while a way from home!

[skippymcnapper]

use the hotel's ip while there so we don't lose out on doing the click while a way from home!

This is exactly like Admin's example about using Internet at the library, posted above. It's probably not the best idea:

As a rule, we advise against completing offers on public connections like at a library since you have no way of knowing if someone else is doing/has done/will do the same.  And if two of you complete the same survey or offer on the same connection, one or both of you are likely to have that credit revoked.