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?

  • RegularJoe@lemmy.worldEnglish
    93·
    14 hours ago

    “This technology turns every router into a potential means for surveillance,” warns Julian Todt from KASTEL. “If you regularly pass by a café that operates a WiFi network, you could be identified there without noticing it and be recognized later – for example by public authorities or companies.”

    Later…

    Inexpensive or older routers either don’t store history at all or keep it for a short time.

    Newer models can store more information for more extended periods.

    https://www.thetechwire.com/how-long-does-a-router-store-history/

    • Lovable Sidekick@lemmy.worldEnglish
      4·
      5 hours ago

      That’s connection history. CSI motion detection software storing information it collects would be entirely independent of that. How much it saves and for how long would depend on the size of the router’s memory.

    • morto@piefed.socialEnglish
      48·
      10 hours ago

      We used to recommend people to run the newest stuff possible, but we came to a point that maybe it’s better for us to keep with older tech for a good while

      • mecen@lemmy.caEnglish
        1·
        2 hours ago

        Or go to more civilized countries for vacation to get not backdoored hardware.

    • Lovable Sidekick@lemmy.worldEnglish
      23·
      10 hours 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
        2·
        2 hours 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.

      • obviouspornalt@fedinsfw.appEnglish
        41·
        8 hours 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.