Please understandnim asking this question from a genuine place. I dont want the quora answer, i want the tech savvy, security expert minds of my fellow lemmings. If thats ok?

What happens to this data? What can/do they do with it? and why are so many people concerned about google tracking them?

Do i as an average user need to be concerned?

If so, What sorts of things can i do to avoid being tracked? Preferably without too much comprimise.

  • foggy@lemmy.world
    371·
    11 个月前

    If your friends have Facebook, and they share contacts on their phone, and they communicate with you Facebook has a shadow profile for your phone number. They still track you even without the app or an account.

      • Adulated_Aspersion@lemmy.world
        63·
        11 个月前

        You’re fooling yourself. We’re living in a dictatorship. A self-perpetuating autocracy in which the working classes…

    • Stantana@lemmy.sambands.net
      6·
      11 个月前

      Yes, that’s why I have two phone numbers. One with an official work number that I give to friends and business partners - Its basically a requirement to have a public phone number if one runs a company where I live, so no hiding there anyways. And then I have a separate number I never give out, for data only.

      Oh, you tried to call me but I didn’t pick up? Sorry, I was busy/tired/generic excuse. But if you get on Element I’ll give you my private account. Think of it as a backstage pass, you’ll get in when nobody else does. You’ll be special.

      Kindergarten level psychology that works surprisingly well.

      • phillaholic@lemm.ee
        10·
        11 个月前

        Are they both attached to smartphones? Location data can be pulled essentially equating the two numbers. If both devices always are in the same spot it’s the same person etc

        • Stantana@lemmy.sambands.net
          71·
          11 个月前

          Different tools for different threats. I’m not trying to hide from state-level actors and phone data is illegal to sell where I live.

          And if I were, surely I wouldn’t talk about it on an open forum. In such a hypothetical scenario I wouldn’t even bring a cellphone, no matter if it’s a smartphone or a plain ol’ Nokia from the last millennium.

          • phillaholic@lemm.ee
            3·
            11 个月前

            My point is they probably know both are you. I have two phones too, it just depends on what your goal is. If it’s not to be tracked by the Google, Microsoft, and Metas of the world you’re probably failing.

            • Stantana@lemmy.sambands.net
              3·
              11 个月前

              How can Google, Meta and Microsoft corrolate two phones where one is completely devoid of any Google Play blobs if they don’t have access to location and triangulation data from the cell towers?

              • phillaholic@lemm.ee
                31·
                11 个月前

                If you somehow have made sure every app you use doesn’t have a meta tracker in it then maybe. Although then you get into the territory of being so unique by blocking everything that you become identifiable that way.

    • snownyte@kbin.social
      1·
      4 个月前

      You’re not even safe from deleting your account.

      You delete your account, come back with a new one to find that the suggested people are people you once had as friends or looked at.

      Gee, wonder how they know that? /s