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Information known by a cellular network provider while using and not using internet

Added by Joe Wilson almost 5 years ago

This topic is not related to replicant but as it related to privacy, I am posting here.

I am trying to guess what a cellular network provider (or just network provider) would know while using and not using internet.

I am using the term static content for details that don't change often and dynamic content for details that change often. The content in bold is which I am not sure whether it is known by the network provider.

1. While I am not using the internet:
The network provider would know Non-internet based static content such as:
personal information including address, occupation, proof of identity, etc (if given/required during purchase)
sensitive personal information including as bank account details, etc,
device details such as IMEI number?, Serial number?, operating system?, type of device (smartphone, tablet etc.)?, MAC address of the device? etc.

[Note: I am not sure whether content such as IMEI number, operating system, type of device (smartphone, tablet etc.), MAC address of the device would come under non-internet based content or internet-based content]

The network provider would know Non-internet based dynamic content such as network-based location (which cell towers I use), call detail records (who you called and when), text message details (who you texted and when), text message content, payment history, etc.

2. While I am using the internet:
The network provider would know Internet-based dynamic content such as IP address, bandwidth consumption, location via GPS (if GPS is turned on), browsing content and history (including the date, time and duration of the internet session)?, the apps running on the device?, data sent and received by the apps?.

3. While I am using the internet via a VPN:
The network provider would know Internet-based dynamic content such as the VPN's IP address, bandwidth consumption, location via GPS?.

Some info I got from another forum is that apps created using technologies/terms such as JSON, TNA, SDK and GPS would receive/send data while using the internet i.e. Internet-based dynamic content
(JSON = JavaScript Object Notation, SDK = Software Development Kit, TNA = Truly Native Apps)

Feel free to comment for any modifications if required for the above details.


Replies (2)

RE: Information known by a cellular network provider while using and not using internet - Added by Joe Wilson almost 5 years ago

I am mainly concerned about the cellular provider knowing data sent and received by the apps installed on the device.

Any suggestions for this topic?

RE: Information known by a cellular network provider while using and not using internet - Added by Fil Lupin almost 5 years ago

Joe Wilson wrote:

1. While I am not using the internet:
The network provider would know Non-internet based static content such as:
personal information including address, occupation, proof of identity, etc (if given/required during purchase)
sensitive personal information including as bank account details, etc,
device details such as IMEI number?, Serial number?, operating system?, type of device (smartphone, tablet etc.)?, MAC address of the device? etc.

Hi Joe,
when your phone is active, it maintains management communication with the communication infrastructure to allow your device to communicate (call, sms, etc., input and output).
Note this infrastructure is not owned by your provider but a provider.

Especially, the device IMEI is sent to the infrastructure to check it and (dis)allow depending on the local provider policy. IMEI can be disallowed for example if its IMEI is noted as stolen.

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