Skip to comments.
High-tech Running Shoes Raise Privacy Concerns, Researchers Say
Science Daily ^
| Dec 1, 2006
| Staff
Posted on 12/04/2006 1:57:31 PM PST by wouldntbprudent
This holiday season, gift-givers may unwittingly give their favorite athlete a workout accessory that can double as a tracking device. Researchers in computer science and engineering at the University of Washington say there are serious privacy breaches posed by the gadget, which is marketed to runners but may be equally attractive to stalkers and thieves.
Yoshi Kohno, Carl Hartung and Scott Saponas (l-r) with devices they built to pick up on the Nike+iPod signal.
"It is easy for someone to use the Nike+iPod as a tracking device," says Scott Saponas, a doctoral student in computer science and lead author of a technical report posted online on Nov. 30. "It's an example of how new gadgetry can erode our personal privacy."
(Excerpt) Read more at sciencedaily.com ...
TOPICS: News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: privacy
To: wouldntbprudent
Guess those with concerns shouldn't buy them.
2
posted on
12/04/2006 2:03:04 PM PST
by
cripplecreek
(If stupidity got us into this mess, then why can't it get us out?)
To: cripplecreek
What's obvious to the casual observer flies right past the kvetching MSM.
3
posted on
12/04/2006 2:05:15 PM PST
by
x_plus_one
(Franklin Graham: "Allah is not the God of Moses. Allah had no son")
To: x_plus_one
Just do it.
4
posted on
12/04/2006 2:07:51 PM PST
by
cripplecreek
(If stupidity got us into this mess, then why can't it get us out?)
To: cripplecreek
Every Step you take, I'll be watching you......
To: wouldntbprudent
So they could call it the iSpy.
6
posted on
12/04/2006 2:15:28 PM PST
by
dfwgator
To: wouldntbprudent
"But it turns out that the sensor in the shoe emits a signal detectable by any compatible receiver within a range of up to 60 feet..."
This is really stretching a point. First of all consider how many receivers you would need to install to just track someone going about their daily business. Second, you have to assume the transmitter is always turned on. Third you need to assume the person only wears these shoes and no others.
7
posted on
12/04/2006 2:16:03 PM PST
by
Kirkwood
To: dfwgator
So they could call it the iSpy.
8
posted on
12/04/2006 2:17:14 PM PST
by
StoneGiant
(Power without morality is disaster. Morality without power is useless.)
To: Kirkwood
This is really stretching a point. First of all consider how many receivers you would need to install to just track someone going about their daily business. Second, you have to assume the transmitter is always turned on. Third you need to assume the person only wears these shoes and no others.Fourth, you need to figure out that a person has nothing better to do than to stand within 60 feet of an intended target all day long
9
posted on
12/04/2006 2:19:47 PM PST
by
teacherwoes
(A fugitive from a Democratically-controlled Congress)
To: Kirkwood
They might better have spent their energies building a cell phone tracker.
10
posted on
12/04/2006 2:21:42 PM PST
by
Reeses
To: teacherwoes
And if they're running you can count me out!
11
posted on
12/04/2006 2:22:47 PM PST
by
Frapster
(Don't mind me - I'm distracted by the pretty lights.)
To: wouldntbprudent
I suggest runners get a webpage for each shoe. And each lace.
12
posted on
12/04/2006 2:22:57 PM PST
by
Right Wing Assault
("..this administration is planning a 'Right Wing Assault' on values and ideals.." - John Kerry)
To: wouldntbprudent
This reminds of the thief that had those shoes that light up each step you take.
13
posted on
12/04/2006 2:25:42 PM PST
by
Lx
(Do you like it, do you like it. Scott? I call it Mr. and Mrs. Tennerman chili.)
To: wouldntbprudent
I hope the USB port is detachable, my boss would get really mad if he sees my size twelve hanging off the side of my computer....
14
posted on
12/04/2006 2:29:07 PM PST
by
Abathar
(Proudly catching hell for posting without reading the article since 2004)
To: Reeses
Heck, I can SEE further than 60 feet. If I'm going to rob a place I'll just watch for the owner to leave. Besides that, I think the excitement from stalking is to actually be near the person physically, not stalking from 3 states away.
15
posted on
12/04/2006 2:29:34 PM PST
by
Kirkwood
To: wouldntbprudent
The report authors didn't say it, but does one detect a slight whiff of 'Bush and his Patriot Act' hatred, like maybe these little college brains think they are so important the government might want to track them....?
16
posted on
12/04/2006 2:31:09 PM PST
by
gb63
To: wouldntbprudent
Why do I get the feeling I'm being followed?
17
posted on
12/04/2006 2:41:03 PM PST
by
gb63
To: wouldntbprudent
60 feet, a cause for concern? Wow.
60 miles, and it might be useful in case I
get lost in the snow, or need an alibi.
18
posted on
12/04/2006 3:43:07 PM PST
by
aspen64
To: Kirkwood
And I bet you didn't believe the theory that 18,000 people were in on the conspiracy to frame O.J, either. ;)
19
posted on
12/04/2006 5:01:07 PM PST
by
wouldntbprudent
(If you can: Contribute more (babies) to the next generation of God-fearing American Patriots!)
To: gb63
I thought the same thing, since we live in a police state and all. /s
20
posted on
12/04/2006 5:02:14 PM PST
by
wouldntbprudent
(If you can: Contribute more (babies) to the next generation of God-fearing American Patriots!)
Disclaimer:
Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual
posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its
management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the
exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson