Since MAC-addresses are only used within a local network, a random MAC-address is unlikely to cause a collision. Since a fixed MAC address for your laptop is so legible (easily tracked), you should change it often. For instance, timed WiFi leases at the airport can only be enforced when you’re legible.

But the bottom line is legibility gives the tracker power over the tracked. You can and should read more about legibility. Instead, it’s about legibility - in simple terms, the ability to be easily counted and tracked. But the concern is not about someone accessing the private contents of your laptop (that’s a separate issue). Why is this a problem? Many people use the word “privacy” to talk about this issue. Read more below about how to avoid this kind of tracking. But modern hotspots track you based on your MAC address, an address that is unique per network card, and in this way identifies your device. To stay connected you use the local wifi to access the internet, on the couch at home or in a little cafe with your favorite coffee. Today, users run their notebooks everywhere.

Linux get wifi mac address