I’m looking into getting a flip phone with a separate number so that I can sign up for a few apps that without associating them with the complete identity profile in the data marketplace that is linked to my actual phone number.

To be clear, the apps will still be downloaded and utilized on my primary smartphone. But the phone number through which I receive verification codes during registration will be a separate device.

Has any one done this? Tips for selecting a cheapo phone and prepaid service?

  • Claudia@lemmy.blahaj.zone
    1·
    20 hours ago

    I’m not sure what you are t following. They’re associating your location with your phone number non stop. The sms message is just you sending a message.

    Another provider has you location, another broker can pay for your information. Brokers clean up all the data they receive and match it to specific individuals. That’s how they do their job.

    Broker 1: hey got any data on person01?

    Broker 2: hey I got data on person01, how much you willing to pay?

    Broker1: sweet, I’ll pay this much.

    • fmstrat@lemmy.nowsci.comEnglish
      1·
      10 hours ago

      OK, let’s do this step by step. We’re going to use a prepaid SIM like op mentions:

      • Buy SIM prepaid at Walmart with cash
      • Activate that SIM in a phone at a static location, not your home
      • This is sold to broker 1
      • Buy SIM from normal provider using your CC
      • This data is sold to broker 2
      • Broker 2 asks broker 1 for into on person
      • Broker 1 has no discrete match due to lack of payment data