Privacy

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Has anyone successfully used a prepaid phone and number for app registration? (self.privacy)

submitted 2 days ago by Aslanta to c/[email protected]

44 comments fedilink hide all child comments

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?

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[–] [email protected] 21 points 2 days ago (2 children)

This is standard practice for me. You don't even need another flip phone. Most phones come with a dual sim tray. I keep the 2nd sim in my phone and keep the sim switched off in the settings. I do all signups with this number.

[–] Aslanta 5 points 2 days ago (2 children)

This is the answer I was looking for! Thank you!

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 days ago

The IMEI number on the phone is essentially locked to the device, swapping sims won't change it. So a phone activated under your real name on one network could technically get traced back to you even when using a different SIM card.

Also, carrying a phone with both SIMs active is completely unprotected from correlation attacks by anyone with access to the cell tower data. It'd be blatantly obvious that the location of one SIM is the same as the other all the time.

All depends on the threat level you expect, but if you're worried about a VOIP account being compromised to get your real number, you are talking about pretty sophisticated actors.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 2 days ago

Just be careful about the sim expiring. Each network will have its own rules. The sim I have stipulates that it needs to be topped up at least once every 6 months and a call or SMS sent every 3 months to keep it active.

[–] Dust0741 1 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Got flip phone recommendations?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 days ago

Nope. I've never used one.