[STDS-802-Privacy] iOS8 uses randomized MAC addresses when scanning
Hi,
Not sure if this has been already discussed in the list (apologies if
that was the case). I found out today that iOS8 uses randomized MAC
addresses when scanning [1].
"Randomized Wi-Fi addresses
When you’re out running errands with your phone in your pocket, Wi-Fi
hotspots have the ability to track your movements and behavior by
scanning your Wi-Fi MAC address. A MAC address is a string of characters
that uniquely identifies your device on a network. With iOS 8, we’ve
introduced an innovative feature designed to protect your privacy by
randomizing your device’s MAC address when the device is passively
scanning for Wi-Fi networks. Because your MAC address now changes when
you’re not connected to a network, it can’t be used to persistently
track you. This is in line with Apple’s industry-leading effort to do
away with persistent identifiers, and is unique to iOS devices."
[1] https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-built-in/
Do you know if other OSs are also doing this?
Thanks,
Carlos