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?

  • Null User Object@lemmy.worldEnglish
    7·
    12 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.

    • Lovable Sidekick@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      3 hours 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.