[some_random]

We don't know what all the data is, but it at least used to be Date-Time-Serial. For governments and corporations with asset controls that record the serial of devices sent around, this is actually useful and can be used to sniff out moles like in the example. For individuals, you either need a massive amount of background data like purchase history (which is what you all should actually care about instead of these stupid dots), or you need to physically raid the place and get the serial off the printer.

And anyways in your example, there are far easier ways for the government to figure out that stuff that doesn't involve chasing down printers.

[tehjoker]

I figure the serial number could be enough if it was linked to a credit card purchase. However, it might only link to a lot number that a store purchased.

[some_random]

I don't think stores are tracking the serial numbers of the printers they sell, so yeah at best you're gonna get a big list of everyone who bought that SKU in the approximate time. And if you buy it with cash, or secondhand, then they're screwed.

Now, it probably phones home and that's probably how they catch people but there are ways around that.