[allseeingimei]

Every bus stop and billboard with a CBS logo on it is doing the same thing and has been for a long time. They map your movements by presenting as a cell tower and record the IMEIs of passers by. Forbes won't write a story about that though.

[afavour]

Any citation for that? You seem to have created your account specifically to comment here so I have to assume you're well informed on the topic.

[NoiseBert69]

That's not how cellular networks work.

Your IMEI will never be send in clear over the network. Not even back in old 2G networks.

If the gov needs your data they can use standardized lawful interception interfaces. This interface offers all juicy data - not only voice, SMS and your phone number.

[octoberfranklin]

You're confusing IMEI and IMSI.

[ProllyInfamous]

Lots of retail does this with Bluetooth™ beacons (whether just at entry/exits, or at high-trafficked areas).

Which is another reason I simply just stopped carrying a cell phone a few years ago. Absolute freedom.

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I paid my vehicle off early just so I could disable the infotainment's cell-link. My city has OCR cameras on every 4-lane highway (so I'm still tracked) but it sure is wild how important locations are these days.