This is something I can’t figure out, because my understanding is that no matter what OS you install, unless you bought your Mac with cash, your serial number and credit card are now connected…and will always be spilling data about you.
Thanks for any advice…I’m wondering if it’s worth it to install a new OS.
Yes (see Question about Mac phoning home from 6 days ago, which is answered by the former Asahi Linux lead). There is no firmware-level Apple telemetry, and booting into Linux disables Find My.