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Passing an ID as a path variable or request parameter can be safe or not, depending on how you handle it and the context of your application. Here are some considerations:

Security: Generally, passing IDs in path variables is considered safer than in query parameters. This is because path variables are typically part of the URL and are less likely to be logged by web servers or proxies. Query parameters might get logged more easily. However, if sensitive information is involved, neither method is completely secure on its own. You should always use proper security practices like encryption, authentication, and authorization.

Information Sensitivity: Consider what the ID represents. If the ID is sensitive information (e.g., user IDs, personal data), you should be careful. If the ID is just an identifier for a resource and doesn't reveal sensitive information, it might be less of a concern.

Data Integrity: Path variables are usually better for indicating a hierarchy or structure in the URL (e.g., /users/123/orders). Query parameters are often used for filtering data (e.g., /users?status=active). If the ID is crucial for identifying a specific resource, path variables are a better fit.

Caching and Bookmarking: Path variables can be more cache-friendly and bookmarkable. Query parameters are often used for dynamic filtering, and browsers might not cache URLs with query parameters as efficiently.

Validation and Escaping: Regardless of whether you use path variables or query parameters, you should validate and sanitize user input. Path variables might still require proper URL encoding to handle special characters safely.

Consistency: Choose one approach and stick with it for consistency in your application. Mixing path variables and query parameters for the same purpose might confuse users and developers.

API Design: If you're designing a RESTful API, there are conventions for using path variables to identify resources and query parameters for filtering. Following these conventions can make your API more intuitive.

Limitations: Path variables have length limitations imposed by browsers and web servers. If your IDs could be very long, you might run into issues.

In summary, both path variables and query parameters can be safe if implemented correctly. It's essential to understand the nature of the data you're dealing with, the context of your application, and the security practices you're following. Always follow best practices for security, input validation, and data handling to ensure the safety of your application.