WiFi tracking tech identifies people with near-perfect accuracy, raising surveillance fears

The German researchers have raised concerns regarding ordinary WiFi networks, highlighting how these standard routers can turn into a powerful new form of invisible surveillance.

As per researchers from the KASTEL -- KIT's Institute of Information Security and Dependability, using wireless signals and artificial intelligence, the Wifi technology can track or identify the people’s movement with perfect accuracy.

To capture the movement with such striking accuracy, it is not necessary for individuals to carry those devices, sparking fears of surveillance.

According to Professor Thorsten Strufe from KASTEL, “This works similar to a normal camera, the difference being that in our case, radio waves instead of light waves are used for the recognition. Thus, it does not matter whether you carry a WiFi device on you or not.”

It is possible to create an accurate image of the surroundings and of persons who are present by observing the propagation of radio waves.

The scary part is that the threat will not go away even by turning off your smartphones. As per researchers, wireless devices which are connected to the network still create enough signal activity for the functionality of the system.

Rising surveillance fears

According to researchers and cybersecurity experts, this technology could quietly transform the idea of how we are being watched during daily activities.

Julian Todt from KASTEL issued a warning, "This technology turns every router into a potential means for surveillance. 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."

Researcher Felix Morsbach talked about the unique risks posed by WiFi networks which are present everywhere.

"However, the omnipresent wireless networks might become a nearly comprehensive surveillance infrastructure with one concerning property: they are invisible and raise no suspicion."

According to Strufe, the technology is powerful due to its near 100 percent identification accuracy. It also violates basic human rights, especially privacy in both indoors and outdoors.