Wi-Fi Just Got Smarter—And More Intrusive
In a groundbreaking discovery, Italian researchers have unveiled a technology that can identify and track individuals using nothing but Wi-Fi signals—no phone, smartwatch, or tracking gadget needed. The new system, called WhoFi, opens up possibilities for smart surveillance and security—but also raises serious privacy concerns.
Turning Wi-Fi Into a Biometric Identifier
At the core of this innovation lies a technique that leverages Channel State Information (CSI)—a method of analyzing how Wi-Fi signals behave as they pass through physical environments. When a person moves within a space covered by Wi-Fi, their body naturally distorts the signal in a unique way. WhoFi captures these distortions and uses them to generate a biometric signature of that individual.
The research team, including Danilo Avola, Daniele Pannone, Dario Montagnini, and Emad Emam, tested the system using two standard TP-Link N750 routers. Their method showed a remarkable 95.5% accuracy in re-identifying individuals based solely on signal distortions. These results significantly outperform earlier models that peaked at 75% accuracy just a few years ago.
AI + Wi-Fi = Next-Gen Surveillance?
What sets WhoFi apart is its integration of deep learning—specifically, a transformer-based AI model, a state-of-the-art neural network commonly used in modern language models and image recognition. By analyzing the phase and amplitude shifts in Wi-Fi signals, the system extracts biometric data detailed enough to serve as a kind of digital fingerprint.
Unlike traditional cameras, Wi-Fi signals don’t require light and can pass through walls, making them both versatile and covert. This makes WhoFi a compelling alternative to conventional surveillance tools, especially in low-visibility environments.
Privacy Concerns Are Growing
Despite the tech’s promise, experts are warning about its potential for passive surveillance. Since people don’t need to carry a device or give consent to be detected, this technology blurs the line between innovation and intrusion. As researchers push boundaries, questions arise: who controls this data, and how is it secured?
This isn’t the first time such capabilities have been explored—experiments date back to at least 2019. But with WhoFi, the combination of high accuracy, AI, and commercial-grade routers signals a new chapter in biometric tech.
Conclusion: A Future Powered by Invisible Surveillance
WhoFi is a bold leap forward in wireless technology, transforming everyday signals into powerful biometric tools. While it offers immense potential for safety, automation, and accessibility, it also prompts a critical conversation about surveillance, ethics, and personal privacy. As this technology continues to evolve, governments, developers, and citizens will need to strike a balance between innovation and individual rights.
