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WiFi could become an invisible mass surveillance system (scitechdaily.com)

437 points by mgh2 · 165 days ago · 186 comments on HN

Article summary

Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have developed a method to identify individuals using WiFi signals, even if they are not carrying a device. This method uses beamforming feedback information (BFI) from WiFi devices to create images of people and identify them with high accuracy. The technology raises serious privacy concerns and has sparked calls for stronger protections. The researchers warn that this capability could be used for mass surveillance, particularly in authoritarian states.

Main themes

  • WiFi surveillance
  • Mass surveillance
  • Privacy concerns
  • Gait analysis
  • Biometric identification
  • Surveillance technology

What commenters say

  • The technology is not new and has been used by government agencies for some time, but its public disclosure raises concerns about privacy and surveillance.
  • The method's accuracy and effectiveness are exaggerated, and it is not a reliable means of identifying individuals in real-world scenarios.
  • The use of WiFi signals for surveillance is a symptom of a broader issue with the lack of encryption and security in wireless communication protocols.
  • The development of this technology highlights the need for stronger protections and regulations around surveillance and data collection.
  • Some commenters believe that the technology is not a significant threat to privacy, as it can be easily countered with simple measures such as wearing wire-mesh clothing or using signal-jamming devices.
  • Others argue that the technology is already being used by companies and governments, and that it is a serious threat to individual privacy and autonomy.
  • There is disagreement about the accuracy and reliability of the method, with some commenters pointing out that the study had a small sample size and limited scope.
  • The use of WiFi signals for surveillance raises questions about the balance between security and privacy, and the need for greater transparency and oversight of surveillance technologies.