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
    34•8 months ago

    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.

    • TrenchcoatFullOfBats
      16•8 months ago

      Joke’s on Facebook, all my friends are either Amish or live in anarcho-syndicalist communes

      (Rumspringa can be a problem tho)

    • Stantana
      6•8 months ago

      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
        9•8 months ago

        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
          5•8 months ago

          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
            3•8 months ago

            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
              3•8 months ago

              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
                2•8 months ago

                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
      1•30 days ago

      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