Scientists in Germany have demonstrated a startling new form of surveillance: identifying people using nothing more than ordinary WiFi signals. By analyzing how radio waves bounce around a room, researchers can effectively “see” and recognize individuals — even if they are not carrying a device and even if their phone is turned off.

The reason the FCC is only allowing the sale of state approved routers in the US?

  • Lovable Sidekick@lemmy.worldEnglish
    34·
    2 months ago

    From what I’ve just read, the tech doesn’t seem ready to identify people yet. It can supposedly detect hand gestures, but facial recognition I seriously doubt. But that’s probably just a matter of improving the tech. See this article for more info.

    • Null User Object@lemmy.worldEnglish
      11·
      2 months ago

      From OPs linked article…

      In tests involving 197 participants, the researchers said the system identified individuals with nearly 100% accuracy. The recognition remained effective regardless of viewing angle or how the participants walked.

      • Lovable Sidekick@lemmy.worldEnglish
        3·
        2 months ago

        I can totally believe when it tracks a person it can tell when the same person walks by again later. But matching people with their actual identities would require a database of wifi scan data that simply doesn’t exist yet.

          • Lovable Sidekick@lemmy.worldEnglish
            1·
            2 months ago

            Well in theory every tech possibility is a “yet”, but the way I read this it seems like a person or object’s interference pattern is particular to the local signal environment - not like a fingerprint a different system could recognize at the airport.

    • obviouspornalt@fedinsfw.appEnglish
      6·
      2 months ago

      that’s a trivial problem to solve. combine this with a camera for facial recognition in a public space. then you’ve got wifi signature combined with the photo/video for facial recognition. then presumably you can use the WiFi signature anywhere else, even without the camera and be able to identify people.

      • Modern_medicine_isnt@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        2 months ago

        I was wondering about that. The article didn’t say anything about being able to identify the same person walking past a different router. And I can’t imagine the study didn’t try. So I assume it doesn’t work.