update: Correct systemd-networkd DHCP anonymity guidance (#3288)

Signed-off-by: Ali Mashally <algeserone@yandex.com>
Signed-off-by: fria <138676274+friadev@users.noreply.github.com>
Co-authored-by: fria <138676274+friadev@users.noreply.github.com>
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Ali Mashallyandfria authored and GitHub committed 2026-10-21 20:03:30 -05:00
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@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ Virtual Private Networks are a way of extending the end of your network to exit
[:material-movie-open-play-outline: Video: Do you need a VPN?](https://www.privacyguides.org/videos/2024/12/12/do-you-need-a-vpn){ .md-button }
Normally, an ISP can see the flow of internet traffic entering and exiting your network termination device (i.e. modem). Encryption protocols such as HTTPS are commonly used on the internet, so they may not be able to see exactly what you're posting or reading, but they can get an idea of the [domains you request](../advanced/dns-overview.md#why-shouldnt-i-use-encrypted-dns).
Normally, an ISP can see the flow of internet traffic entering and exiting your network termination device (i.e. modem). Encryption protocols such as HTTPS are commonly used on the internet, so they may not be able to see exactly what you're posting or reading, but they can get an idea of the [domains you request](../advanced/dns-overview.md#encrypted-dns-limitations).
Using a VPN hides even this information from your ISP, by shifting the trust you place in your network to a server somewhere else in the world. As a result, the ISP then only sees that you are connected to a VPN and nothing about the activity that you're passing through it.
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@@ -146,9 +146,9 @@ systemctl restart NetworkManager
Optionally, changing the connection parameter from `random` to `stable` will give you a random MAC address *per network*, but keep it stable for that network when you reconnect to it later. Using `random` will give you a random MAC address *per connection*. This may be desirable for networks with captive portals or where you have a static DHCP assignment, at the expense of making you more identifiable by a single network operator you connect to multiple times.
If you are using [systemd-networkd](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systemd#Ancillary_components), you will need to set [`MACAddressPolicy=random`](https://freedesktop.org/software/systemd/man/systemd.link.html#MACAddressPolicy=) which will enable [RFC 7844 (Anonymity Profiles for DHCP Clients)](https://freedesktop.org/software/systemd/man/systemd.network.html#Anonymize=).
If you are using [systemd-networkd](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systemd#Ancillary_components), set [`MACAddressPolicy=random`](https://freedesktop.org/software/systemd/man/systemd.link.html#MACAddressPolicy=) in your .link configuration to randomize your MAC address. To enable [RFC 7844 (Anonymity Profiles for DHCP Clients)](https://freedesktop.org/software/systemd/man/systemd.network.html#Anonymize=), you must also set Anonymize=yes in the [DHCPv4] section of your .network configuration.
MAC address randomization is primarily beneficial for Wi-Fi connections. For Ethernet connections, randomizing your MAC address provides little (if any) benefit, because a network administrator can trivially identify your device by other means (such as inspecting the port you are connected to on the network switch). Randomizing Wi-Fi MAC addresses depends on support from the Wi-Fi’s firmware.
MAC address randomization is primarily beneficial for Wi-Fi connections. For Ethernet connections, randomizing your MAC address provides little (if any) benefit, because a network administrator can trivially identify your device by other means (such as inspecting the port you are connected to on the network switch). Randomizing Wi-Fi MAC addresses depends on support from the Wireless Network Interface Controller’s firmware.
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