[fluoridation]

What do you mean? The MAC address is used to identify the device within the same network segment. A program running on the device cannot derive location information just from the MAC address. It's a meaningless number. What the MAC address can do is make you visible to other devices in the same network segment. So for example, a wireless router can know you're nearby because your known MAC address has joined the network, but this is a problem regardless of what apps your phone is running.

[sampullman]

That's what the GP was saying, I think. Once they get the MAC address, they can find you. Not via software on the phone, from exfiltrating and using shady third parties that collect data from access points, etc.

[fluoridation]

Okay, but if there's collusion between the app developers and external routers then it doesn't matter if the MAC is randomized. The app can still see the current MAC address and report it, and you can still be located, if nothing else, to within the range of a wireless router. Nothing is solved by randomizing the MAC address.

[antonvs]

They started randomizing MAC addresses for privacy reasons, particularly for mobile devices, to prevent tracking of devices across networks.

[fluoridation]

I understand that. I'm saying it has nothing to do with apps on the device itself using the MAC for location.