Historically, devices use the factory MAC address to associate to a Wi-Fi network. Because these MAC addresses are transmitted without encryption, they can be captured and used to potentially track a user’s location. MAC addresses are used by devices when connecting to a Wi-Fi network or an access point. It’s actually from Google because it added MAC hardware randomization to Android a few versions ago: If none of this makes sense as to why you would want this Chromebook privacy feature, here’s a great high-level explanation.

But it’s being worked on: This new Chromebook privacy feature will bring Chrome OS more on par with other desktop platforms. Unfortunately, Chrome OS doesn’t support this functionality. As a result, it’s far more difficult for any network service to create a user profile of your surfing habits offering some, but not all of the benefits of a VPN. This feature increases user data privacy by changing the unique hardware identifier of your wireless radio to a random identifier. The ability to randomize a Wi-Fi radio’s hardware address has been available on most computers for years.

Chromebook network mac address