Cityscape Bath Universitys Reckless Invasion of Privacy By
Cityscape Bath University’s Reckless Invasion of Privacy By Michael Bennett
Program Overview �Composed of multiple sensors; began in Bath, England, now worldwide �Tracking Bluetooth IDs • Sensor detects Bluetooth ID • Centralized database stores IDs, location histories �Why it works • Bluetooth devices broadcast their IDs publically; many users do not know to turn it off • Detecting ID required to connect to device, so not illegal
Ethical Concerns �Unwilling participation • “Participants” are not informed of the program • No opt-in/opt-out option �Potential privacy invasion • Bluetooth IDs can contain personal information �Name �Phone number �Email address • IDs stored in database in the clear
What Do People Say? � “The objective is not to track individuals, whether by Bluetooth or any other means. We are interested in the aggregate behaviour of city dwellers as a whole. The notion that any agency would seriously consider Bluetooth scanning as a surveillance technique is ludicrous. ” -Eamonn O’Neill, Cityscape director � “For Bath University to assert that there aren't privacy implications demonstrates an astonishing disregard for consumer rights. ” -Simon Davies, Privacy International director � “If a person's phone is talking to a scanner, then they should be told about it. . . I agree this is complex and I agree there are harmful scenarios. ” -Vassilis Kostakos, former Cityware member
Solution �Willing participation • At the very least, allow people the option to opt-out • Should probably require opt-in as well �Hiding of information • IDs could be hashed before being stored �Much like passwords. . . the ID would still be recognizable as the same one, but the contents would be hidden �Would prevent reverse look-up (using a known ID to track its whereabouts) • Would reduce/remove the potential for unintended abuse
Sources �http: //www. guardian. co. uk/uk/2008/jul/21/ci villiberties. privacy �http: //life-test. calit 2. net/blulogo. jpg �http: //www. technovelgy. com/graphics/cont ent 08/Digital-Footprints-cityware-bbc. jpg �http: //www. ess. co. at/GICONS/cityware. gif
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