Home / Technology / Beyond License Plates: SignalTrace Scans Car Electronics for Tracking
Beyond License Plates: SignalTrace Scans Car Electronics for Tracking
16 Aug
Summary
- New SignalTrace tech detects devices like phones and headphones in cars.
- It links device combinations to vehicles, even without visible plates.
- Privacy experts warn of misuse and potential for tracking innocent people.
A concerning new surveillance technology, SignalTrace, is poised to expand vehicle tracking capabilities beyond license plates. Developed by security company Leonardo, this system scans for electronic devices inside vehicles, such as smartphones and headphones, using their Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals. By identifying consistent combinations of devices within a car, SignalTrace can create an 'electronic fingerprint' to monitor vehicle movements and potentially link them to individuals.
Security researchers express apprehension regarding the potential for misuse and the implications for public privacy. Although SignalTrace does not directly identify individuals or read device data, experts note that patterns of movement, combined with other records, could easily lead to identification. The technology is still in its early stages of deployment in the US, with privacy advocates urging public awareness and communication with local representatives.
