Researchers have warned that Wi-Fi networks may soon turn into a hidden and unsuspicious mass surveillance system, capable of identifying people and tracking their movements even if they do not have phones or devices connected to the network.
This method is based on analyzing the radio waves emitted by Wi-Fi devices and spread in the ocean. When these waves cross an area and interact with the human body, they create distinct patterns that can be analyzed using artificial intelligence. This allows images to be produced close to those captured by cameras, but using radio waves instead of light.
By monitoring the propagation of radio waves, a picture of the environment and the people in it can be created, and this does not require carrying any devices.
The worrying thing is that you cannot protect yourself by turning off your phone or computer, because this technology takes advantage of any active Wi-Fi device in your vicinity, such as a router in a café or office.
The researchers pointed out that this technology could turn every router into a potential means of surveillance, especially in public places such as cafes, restaurants, and airports, and cybercriminals can use this method to track individuals without their knowledge.
This technology differs from previous methods, such as “lidar” or “sonar,” because it does not require special equipment, but rather uses a regular “Wi-Fi” device that sends and receives data.
The new method relies on so-called Beamforming Feedback Information, which is unencrypted data that is automatically sent within the network and can be read by any party within the signal range.
After training the pattern recognition system with AI software, the process of recognizing a person takes only a few seconds. In a study that included 197 participants, researchers were able to identify individuals with nearly 100% accuracy, regardless of viewing angle or gait style.
Researchers have confirmed that this technology is very powerful, but it carries serious risks for basic rights, especially privacy, and may be exploited in countries with authoritarian regimes to monitor demonstrators or opponents.
The team calls for privacy guarantees to be included in the upcoming new “Wi-Fi” standard before this technology becomes widespread. (Erm News)
