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BlackWinnerYoshi wrote

Reply to comment by Wahaha in Linux devices have a unique identifier called machine-id. Here is how to change it. by Rambler

I don't know why machine-id exists, but what I do know is that this only exists on Linux operating systems that use systemd, based on this command:

sudo systemd-machine-id-setup

So the way to avoid it entirely is by switching to a systemd-less Linux, such as Salix OS (clear net only). Actually, systemd has a lot of problems (clear net only), so you should avoid it anyway.

And as to what is it good for besides compromising privacy... I also have no idea. I guess Lennart Poettering Red Hat wanted to do something with it, but they didn't know what to do with it, so they left it as a privacy compromising thing of however many Linux users are being used by systemd.

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Wahaha wrote

Good to know. I'm planning to switch over to Artix anyway. But for now I'm going to apply the suggested fix.

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Rambler OP wrote

Furthermore, I just tested Tails and they DO change the machine-id after every reboot. I'm downloading Whonix right now as well to test, but I've got shit rural internet so that'll take some time.

I'll update the blog with my finding when I do.

The fact Tails randomizes it after each reboot should be enough to hint that it's likely a good idea to not have any identifying ID tied to your system...

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Wahaha wrote

That's true. I've set a cronjob to change it every 2hours. Even more reasons to finally move to Artix.

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