How to change IMEI on Mediatek in Ubuntu Touch?

[GermanAizek]

Is it possible to change IMEI cellular modem in Ubuntu Touch?

[MrT10001]

@GermanAizek In most countries in the world it is illegal to tamper with the IMEI for obvious reasons.

[GermanAizek]

@MrT10001 That is in this regard, does opensource mobile OS cope worse than usual AOSP or LineageOS?

[GermanAizek]

@MrT10001 that is, in terms of protecting user from surveillance by cellular provider, it is impossible that data packet traffic is not analyzed based on single imei. Or is there still an Ubuntu Touch api for addressing-sending AT commands to modem when making your application for UT?

[AppLee]

@GermanAizek

AFAIK

IMEI authenticate the hardware to help fight against stolen devices.
The SIM card is what authenticate the user to a network (it's in the name: Subscriber Identity Module).

So even if you would fake your IMEI you wouldn't fake your SIM hence being tracked.
And if a network is not able to identify (and track you) they will not grant you any service...

If one don't want to be tracked, they should avoid cellphones.

[llcc24maliem]

@AppLee

I can pop in fresh prepaid SIM when I need it or use it sparingly.
I can carry like 100 of them on me.

Changing IMEI each time I swap SIM in combination of considering tracking by towers etc is still valid case that improves privacy.

[arubislander]

This is not the place to discuss the pro's or cons for making it possible to change the devices IMEI.

I think all that can be said about it in context of UT has been said. Therefore I will lock this thread.