Standard WiFi can identify individuals with near-perfect accuracy
Researchers at the Karlsruher Institut für Technologie have developed a method to identify individuals using ordinary Wi-Fi signals with near-perfect accuracy. This technology can track people even when they are not carrying devices or when their phones are turned off. The implications of this advancement raise concerns about privacy and surveillance in everyday environments where Wi-Fi is ubiquitous.
- ▪The technology uses radio waves to create images of surroundings and recognize individuals.
- ▪It can identify people based on their movement and physical characteristics, even through walls.
- ▪Researchers achieved nearly 100% accuracy in identifying participants during tests.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Tech & Science Privacy: Any Wi-Fi can now identify you with near perfect accuracy Soon AI will know where we are and where we have been. Is this a threat to personal liberty? ByDr. Tim Sandle Published May 23, 2026 Image: © PhotoTelegram Image: © PhotoTelegram Researchers report how ordinary Wi-Fi routers may soon be able to secretly recognize and track people with near-perfect accuracy. Is this something of societal benefit or a further extension of state surveillance of its citizens? Scientists at the Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (Germany) have demonstrated a new form of surveillance: identifying people using nothing more than ordinary Wi-Fi signals. By analysing how radio waves bounce around a room, researchers can effectively “see” and recognise individuals.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Digital Journal.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Digital Journal
