The original post: /r/privacy by /u/OldFredBaer on 2024-11-11 16:02:40.

Hey everyone, I have read the rules, and have had this lingering question that I would really appreciate some quality input.

A portable prepaid wireless hotspot device, NOT a phone, can be purchased for around $50 at some local big-name stores. You basically buy it, then you can buy the pre-paid pin cards, or usually a Visa or Mastercard gift card works.The sign up process is fairly easy. Then you just turn it on and you connect to a tower and you have internet wherever.

My question is, at least with certain internet providers to these hotspots, there is NO asking for personal info. Or at least Real info. No SSN, nothing that can be connected to you. You could put a fictitious and e-mail and I believe that’s it. Again, no credit checks or “deeper” analysis of your used name/address. You just use the prepaid card and you’re on the net. And yes, I’ve tested and while I figured it would, the IP address is different than what my home wifi says.

So, could this be a tool, and a decent tool to maintain my anonymity online? I understand if you where really wanted and doing crazy stupid shit, they will find you, but doesn’t using a device like this, a totally different ISP with NO link to you as long as your paying cash and using prepaid debit/data cards, make some sense to increase your OPSEC?

Also, if I were to get a new sim for this device, is that going to change things, like my IP and enhance my anonymity? Or does it really not do much overall?

Would really appreciate any thoughts, thank you.