Privacy serial number/IMEI (Purchase and use)

graphik

Hello¡

I have 2 general questions.
First:
I purchased my pixel8pro on a regular online market, and I gave my kyc for it.
a) Is it technically not anonymous, insecure or non private, because, the ID could be linked with the IMEI and serial number by any register when I purchased it?

Second:
I have read it: Can apps access hardware identifiers? but I don't really understand in simple words. Could somebody explain it using non expert friendly language, please.
I mean:
b) Is it serial number an IMEI ofuscated/spoofed using app connected to internet?
c) Is it serial number ofuscated/spoofed using telephone?
d) Is it serial number ofuscated/spoofed using SMS?**

I saw that MAC address spoofing is automatic. My question goes in this sense.
Than you in advance a good job¡

grayway2

graphik

a) You did not purchase anonymously so yes the IMEI and the serial number can be linked to your identity.

b) starting Android 10, apps can't access device identifiers (they can't retrieve IMEI or serial number)

c and d) the mobile operator automatically get access to your phone IMEI when you insert and use a sim card.

graphik

grayway2 ok, clear¡¡Thanks¡¡

So, even if you do have purchases the phone anonymously, your ID always will be reveled (c) and d), because you have to by a SIM with kyc. Correct?

Scenarios
1-Wich company is the mos reliable to get anonymous SIMs?
2-In case of not purchase the device anonimously + use anom SIM (question 1), your ID could still be revealed?

Thank you in advance

HeadmanTheme

grayway2 the mobile operator automatically get access to your phone IMEI when you insert and use a sim card.

incorrect. the cell tower obtains device's IMEI immediately, if Airplane mode is off. the proof is that you can use emergency services even without a sim. and your device time changes if turn off Airplane mode after changing time zone (e.g. after flight even without a sim) again because it connects to local cell towers.

grayway2

graphik if you purchase your phone anonymously but register a sim card with your ID and put it on that device then the mobile operator will link the imei to your identity. You can't stop the operator to collect the imei if you use a sim.

1- I can't tell, depending on the country you live. In some country it's not complicate but in others it's almost impossible and you have to give your ID + biometrics to get a sim card.
2- Yes if info are merged.

grayway2

HeadmanTheme emergency calls without a sim card are not possible in every country and I was just saying that his IMEI will be tied with his identity if he use a sim card registered under his name.

null

There is a way change the IMEI permanently on pixels but it can be Illegal depending on the country also not sure if I can post about it on GOS forum.