Ultrasonic Sound Markers Used for Surveillance of Individuals
In the modern world, technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, and one such development is the use of ultrasonic audio beacons for tracking and profiling individuals. These beacons emit ultrasonic waves, inaudible to humans, that can pinpoint location and movement inside enclosed spaces. This process allows companies and advertisers to track user behavior across multiple devices and environments in real-time [1].
Detecting Ultrasonic Audio Beacons
Detecting these stealthy beacons can be challenging, but it's not impossible. Specialized ultrasonic detectors like the Robinair 16455 TruTrack, Inficon Whisper, and Bacharach Tru Pointe can sense high-frequency ultrasonic signals [1]. Additionally, smartphone apps are available that can detect ultrasonic frequencies, providing basic awareness of these signals in the environment.
Software tools and signal processing methods, such as filter banks and real-time demodulation (including zero-crossing detection), can be employed on recorded audio data to detect and decode ultrasonic signals embedded in background noise or continuous transmissions [5]. Spectrum analyzers, a type of specialized acoustic equipment, can visualize ultrasonic frequency activity, helping to identify active ultrasonic transmitters in the environment.
Mitigating Privacy and Health Concerns
Combining detection tools, software controls, and behavioral practices offers the best practical defense against ultrasonic beacon surveillance in everyday life.
Physical barriers or absorbent materials, such as acoustic foam or certain fabrics, can reduce or block ultrasonic beacon signals from penetrating private spaces. Electronic jamming or masking, emitting ultrasonic noise to interfere with beacon signals, can disrupt tracking, though this requires careful design to avoid health or interference issues.
Regulatory compliance and transparency are crucial in addressing both privacy and health impacts of ultrasonic beacon surveillance. Ensuring the use of ultrasonic tracking is limited by law and accompanied by clear disclosure to affected individuals reduces privacy violations. Enhanced transparency in the deployment of such systems has been shown to reduce privacy concerns [4].
Device hardening and opt-out options, such as allowing users to disable ultrasonic sensors in consumer devices or building spaces and designing devices to filter out incoming ultrasonic data, can help protect privacy.
While ultrasonic waves are generally considered safe at low powers, continuous or high-intensity exposure requires evaluation to limit any potential auditory or non-auditory health effects. Monitoring ultrasonic emissions for safety compliance is important.
Limiting Exposure
Avoiding known environments for ultrasonic beacon use, such as certain retail spaces or media broadcasts, can limit exposure to ultrasonic tracking. Limiting the use of smart home devices can further minimize exposure. Regularly auditing app permissions on devices and revoking permissions from untrusted apps or browsers can also help minimize ultrasonic tracking.
Secondary Health Concerns
Ultrasonic tracking may have secondary health concerns, such as causing tinnitus or other auditory issues due to prolonged exposure to high-frequency sounds. It's essential to be aware of these potential risks and take steps to limit exposure.
Ultrasonic Sound-Masking
Using ultrasonic sound-masking or white noise generators can help jam or obscure ultrasonic signals, thereby disrupting their transmission. This can provide an additional layer of protection against ultrasonic tracking.
Regulatory Oversight
Greater transparency and regulatory oversight will be critical to address both privacy and health impacts of ultrasonic beacon surveillance as technology advances. As users become more aware of this pervasive technology, calls for greater regulation and transparency are likely to grow.
In conclusion, while ultrasonic tracking offers numerous benefits to businesses and advertisers, it also poses significant privacy and health concerns for individuals. By understanding how these beacons work and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies, users can protect their privacy and minimize potential health risks.
- With the rise of ultrasonic audio beacons in health-and-wellness apps for fitness-and-exercise, such as heart rate monitors and activity trackers, it's essential to be aware of the potential privacy implications and take steps to mitigate any concerns.
- As data-and-cloud-computing become more prevalent in health-and-wellness and other industries, regulatory oversight will play a crucial role in ensuring that data collected through ultrasonic tracking is used responsibly and that individual privacy is protected.
