Wireless web cameras, closed-circuit TV cameras and baby crib monitors broadcasting video streams not just to where you think, but as far as the radio signal can go. Using off-the-shelf equipment these video streams can be picked up by anyone, as they are usually not encrypted. Makes you think, no?
Wired has an interesting article on the subject.
You may think that an online log of your whereabouts updated in realtime and displayed in a public place as a three dimensional visualisation would be infringing on your privacy. Or you might just think it’s cool.
At MIT, Massachusetts Institue of Technology, it’s happening right now. WiFi users locations are tracked, whether they use a laptop, pda or even wifi enabled phone. they The system can pinpoint a user with an accuracy level down to classroom, even in multi-story buildings. The user is displayed as a dot on a map and, if the user opted to reveal their information, even individual students are shown. The campus has over 2800 wireless access points.
Read more about MIT’s new WiFi mapping.
