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Usually connect to Walmart's WiFi but they changed their policy I guess, won't be doing that now...
(lemmy.ml)
this post was submitted on 29 Sep 2023
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Privacy
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Many people here suggesting a throwaway email and/or VPN. While this does migitate the impact somewhat, the only proper response is to not use their "service" and deactivate the WiFi fo your phone (else they might be tracking your MAC address).
Android randomizes Mac by default.
Walmart has an interesting app where if you're connected to their wifi then the app "transforms" to tell you what's in stock in the store you're connected to. I wish they'd just do something like Home Depot where the site just tells you if X location has an item or not, but alas.
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Imo, this is part of the problem with lack of privacy in today's world.
People will accept this more than not, without a second thought. This leads to the taking of a little bit more until one day you are left wondering where your privacy went.
Again, this is just my humble opinion.
And the poorer people find themselves having to trade their privacy for access to technology.
Yeah, you can pretty much assume that any random Wi-Fi asking for that information is already doing that. My local mall has one that will accept any old email but it certainly looks like this one wants you to create an actual Walmart account.
From personal experience I've found that an OpenVPN connection routed over port 53 (same as DNS) bypasses their signin screen entirely.
Of course it's been months since I last tried since I rarely go into the store and don't have reception issues when I do. Could be they've patched it since. Still worth a shot.
Now I have to imagine you standing in the store scanning ports just to get somewhat usable Wi-Fi :)
Not only were they already collecting that information, they likely are collecting information about your position in the store from wifi positioning.
In my experience you can type any vaguely email-like string there.
Or something.
Well that's just plain invasive. I'll make sure to take myself off of their network next time I'm there.
Have you tried using Tor? Sometimes it works.
Why can't you use cell service?
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Junk email + VPN, but I've found that most free wifi services like this explicitly try to inhibit the functionality of mobile VPN clients.
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People that make systems like these are not scared of those that stop using em. What they fear is getting information wrong or spam. Using these facts you can then adjust to the changes.