Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

197 people, no cameras: German researchers ID strangers using nothing but everyday WiFi

Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have developed a method to identify individuals using only everyday WiFi signals, without cameras or personal devices. This technology, which analyzes beamforming feedback information (BFI), can recognize people with nearly 100% accuracy by treating WiFi routers as potential surveillance tools. The researchers advocate for incorporating privacy safeguards into the upcoming IEEE 802.11bf WiFi standard to address the risks to fundamental rights.