• ERROR: Earth.exe has crashed@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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    1 month ago

    But then google has your imei, and can be linked to any other accounts created on that phone. And they could also get your info by asking your carrier who has a plan thats using that phone’s imei.

    • SanctimoniousApe@lemmings.world
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      1 month ago

      If you’re logging in via Wi-Fi, that shouldn’t transmit your IMEI - but I admit that I don’t know if that’s something they do behind the scenes. They also could just use your IP address if logging in from home. They would be making an assumption you hadn’t sold it (or given it to someone else), but I can see that not being enough assurance.

      As such, get a used tablet that you only ever use on public Wi-Fi (i.e. never log it into your home Wi-Fi). I’m sure there are some really cheap old ones on eBay - just make sure it’s on a version of Android the Play Store still supports (I think 6 is the minimum nowadays).

      • ERROR: Earth.exe has crashed@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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        1 month ago

        Any app can access hardware IDs without asking permission. A system app/process can definitely access your hardward IDs. There’s no reason why google doesn’t just sent it when you create your account.

    • GHiLA@sh.itjust.works
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      1 month ago

      Not a problem if it’s a tablet.

      But there is one problem, your old self.

      You existed, now you don’t. Are we implying that suddenly someone else moved into your house, started using all of the IP addresses and hardware you use in your stead,… but they aren’t you?

      blip whoops steam auto-started your account, well, shit. Do we have to start over?

      Are you never going to let your home network connect outside of a VPN again? How far is this going to go? How thorough can you be?

      Your current identity is a trail that leads to the new one, directly. It’s all or none. You literally would have to stop doing everything you do now, as you do it.

      Anything short wouldn’t be enough. You could create a new person and co-exist, but if there’s any bleed through one way or the other, it’s entirely moot.

      Also, Google doesn’t have to know who you are directly. That information can be scraped indirectly from public record and collaborated. It’s how Facebook knows where you are by where you aren’t even if you don’t have an account, you’re alluded to by your peers.