this post was submitted on 29 Sep 2023

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Privacy

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Usually connect to Walmart's WiFi but they changed their policy I guess, won't be doing that now... (lemmy.ml)

submitted 1 year ago by trippingonthewire@lemmy.ml to c/privacy@lemmy.ml

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[–] Rukmer@lemmy.world 11 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I've never agreed to this, but I might be on Walmart Wi-Fi from a long time ago. Once recently shopping at Walmart in person I got an email to my account saying something really creepy like, "rate your in store purchases" and sent me pictures of each item I bought IN STORE with an invitation to rate each. Also included my real name. This isn't even the email I use for my online pickup orders.

[–] test113@lemmy.world 6 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Don't all stores do this, particularly those with membership cards? Isn't one of the main reasons for these cards to track your purchases in exchange for discounts, besides fostering loyalty? All major stores in my area operate like this. If you use scan-and-pay with a smartphone or another device, joining their membership program is mandatory. They monitor what, when, and where you buy, and sometimes even why. I don't understand why this surprises some people.

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[–] Illecors@lemmy.cafe 10 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (2 children)

Have you tried using any email? Literal example:

it@walmart.com

Somw setups don't validate much

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[–] yukichigai@kbin.social 7 points 1 year ago (1 children)

From personal experience I've found that an OpenVPN connection routed over port 53 (same as DNS) bypasses their signin screen entirely.

Of course it's been months since I last tried since I rarely go into the store and don't have reception issues when I do. Could be they've patched it since. Still worth a shot.

[–] Quik@infosec.pub 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Now I have to imagine you standing in the store scanning ports just to get somewhat usable Wi-Fi :)

[–] yukichigai@kbin.social 6 points 1 year ago (2 children)

This may or may not have actually happened.

...okay it totally did.

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[–] Linus_Torvalds@lemmy.world 7 points 1 year ago (9 children)

Many people here suggesting a throwaway email and/or VPN. While this does migitate the impact somewhat, the only proper response is to not use their "service" and deactivate the WiFi fo your phone (else they might be tracking your MAC address).

[–] KazuyaDarklight@lemmy.world 6 points 1 year ago

Android randomizes Mac by default.

[–] Maximilious@kbin.social 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Walmart has an interesting app where if you're connected to their wifi then the app "transforms" to tell you what's in stock in the store you're connected to. I wish they'd just do something like Home Depot where the site just tells you if X location has an item or not, but alas.

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[–] MJBrune@beehaw.org 7 points 1 year ago

Not only were they already collecting that information, they likely are collecting information about your position in the store from wifi positioning.

[–] ItsComplicated@sh.itjust.works 7 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Imo, this is part of the problem with lack of privacy in today's world.

People will accept this more than not, without a second thought. This leads to the taking of a little bit more until one day you are left wondering where your privacy went.

Again, this is just my humble opinion.

[–] eumesmo@lemmings.world 4 points 1 year ago

And the poorer people find themselves having to trade their privacy for access to technology.

[–] Betazed@lemmy.sdf.org 7 points 1 year ago

Yeah, you can pretty much assume that any random Wi-Fi asking for that information is already doing that. My local mall has one that will accept any old email but it certainly looks like this one wants you to create an actual Walmart account.