Yes, it would be technically possible. Scientists have developed technology that allows them to use WiFi signals to detect and track people’s body positions inside buildings. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a method for detecting the three-dimensional shape and movements of human bodies in a room using only WiFi routers.
DensePose
They achieved this by using DensePose, a system for mapping all the pixels on the surface of a human body in a photo, and a deep neural network that maps WiFi signals’ phase and amplitude to coordinates on human bodies[1][2]. This technology has the potential for various applications, including monitoring the well-being of elderly people or identifying suspicious behaviors at home[2]. However, it also raises concerns about privacy and security, as external attackers could potentially use this technology to monitor activity inside a building without being detected themselves[3].
Countermeasures
None have been discussed in the research at this time. The potential for misuse of DensePose for surveillance or law enforcement has been highlighted, but specific countermeasures or ways to thwart its use are not discussed in the available sources. Therefore, the methods to thwart DensePose technology are not explicitly outlined in the provided information.
Implementation
The implementation of DensePose technology requires the following:
1. Training Data: Annotated training data is needed to train the deep-learning system. Facebook researchers initially enlisted human annotators to create a training dataset by manually labeling certain points on images. The task of labeling was broken down into body segments such as head, torso, limbs, hands, and feet to improve accuracy[6].
2. Algorithm and Model: DensePose technology is based on a deep-learning system that can transform 2D photo and video images of people into 3D mesh models of their bodies by estimating the positions of their torsos and limbs. The system uses an algorithm to estimate and fill in the points that correspond between 2D images[6].
3. Hardware and Performance: The system is capable of performing the 2D to 3D conversion at a rate of 20-26 frames per second for a 240 × 320 image, making it generally capable of creating 3D models of humans in a 2D video in real time[6].
4. Code and Software: Facebook has publicly shared the code for its DensePose technology on the software development platform GitHub, which could be used by developers and researchers for various applications, including graphics, augmented reality, or human-computer interaction[6].
While the specific technical details of the implementation are not provided in the search results, the information highlights the need for annotated training data, the use of deep-learning algorithms, and the availability of the code for DensePose technology on GitHub for implementation purposes.
Facebook, the Anti-Privacy Company
Facebook, often associated with privacy concerns, has been involved in various privacy issues and scandals. These include instances where individuals’ identities and private information were compromised without their permission, as well as the unauthorized collection of personally identifiable information of millions of users. The company has faced criticism for its handling of user data, including instances where it falsely claimed that third-party apps could access only the data they needed to operate, while in reality, these apps could access nearly all of a user’s personal data.
Facebook’s history of privacy issues has led to regulatory actions, settlements, and fines, including a $5 billion penalty imposed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 2019, which also included sweeping new privacy restrictions on the company[11][12][13][14][15]. These incidents have contributed to ongoing concerns about the protection of personal data on Facebook and its associated platforms.
DensePose Facebook Connection
Facebook’s involvement in DensePose technology is primarily through its research arm, Facebook AI Research (FAIR). In early 2018, Facebook’s AI researchers unveiled a deep-learning system that can transform 2D photo and video images of people into 3D mesh models of their bodies.
The technology, named DensePose, goes beyond basic object recognition, as it can make 3D models of human bodies by estimating the positions of their torsos and limbs. While Facebook has highlighted potential applications of DensePose in graphics, augmented reality, and human-computer interaction, concerns have been raised about the troubling implications of this research, particularly its potential for real-time surveillance.
Facebook publicly shared the code for its DensePose technology on the software development platform GitHub, making it accessible to developers and researchers. The release of this technology has raised concerns about its potential misuse for surveillance or law enforcement purposes, as it could be adapted by others for such applications. However, Facebook’s researchers did not specifically mention surveillance as a possible application of DensePose alongside the many other potential uses[6].
How Might Facebook use DensePose with WiFi to See People’s Body Positions Inside of Buildings and Profit from doing so? How could this be monitized?
Potential Monetization Strategies
Health Monitoring Services: Facebook could develop applications that utilize body language analysis to monitor the well-being of elderly individuals or those with health concerns. By tracking movement and posture, the service could alert caregivers to potential health issues without relying on intrusive cameras, thus appealing to privacy-conscious consumers. Body language can reveal critical health indicators, such as gait deviations or changes in posture, which can be analyzed to detect early signs of medical conditions[16].
Retail Analytics: In retail environments, body language technology could be employed to gather data on customer behavior and movement patterns within stores. This analysis would provide insights into how customers interact with products and navigate spaces, enabling retailers to optimize store layouts and enhance customer engagement strategies. Understanding body language can reveal customer preferences and emotional responses, creating a valuable service for businesses looking to improve sales and customer satisfaction[16].
Market Research for Brands: Aggregated data on consumer behavior, including body language signals during product interactions, could be invaluable for brands. Companies could purchase access to this data to refine their marketing strategies and product placements.
Smart Home Integration: Facebook could integrate body language monitoring technology into smart home devices, providing features that track household activity for security or health purposes. This approach could be marketed as a privacy-friendly alternative to traditional surveillance methods, appealing to consumers concerned about privacy. The ability to analyze body language within the home environment could enhance safety and well-being, potentially creating a new revenue stream through subscription services[16][17].
Advertising and Targeting: By analyzing body language and movements, Facebook could refine its advertising algorithms to tailor ads based on how users physically interact with their environments. This data-driven approach could lead to more effective ad placements and higher conversion rates for advertisers, as understanding body language can provide insights into consumer interest and intent[16][18].
Data Monetization: While ensuring user privacy, Facebook could aggregate anonymized data on human behavior patterns derived from body language analysis for sale to third parties, such as marketers and urban planners. This information could be invaluable for understanding consumer behavior in physical spaces, aiding in the development of targeted marketing strategies and urban design[19].
Subscription Services: Facebook could offer subscription-based access to anonymized behavioral data for researchers and organizations interested in studying consumer behavior trends, thereby creating an additional revenue stream.
Urban Planning Insights: Urban planners could benefit from understanding how body language and movement patterns correlate with public space usage. This data could inform the design of more effective public spaces and amenities, creating a potential revenue stream through consultancy services.
Behavioral Correlation Analysis: By analyzing the correlation between the frequency of sexual activities and viewing habits, Facebook could create detailed consumer profiles. These profiles could be sold to marketers seeking to tailor their products and campaigns more effectively to specific demographics.
Monitizing Shame: Research indicates that many consumers can be influenced emotionally into making purchases through the analysis of body language, such as fidgeting, which may reveal personal insecurities or feelings of shame. These insecurities can relate to various aspects of life, including perceptions of being a good parent or child, selfishness, laziness, poor health, or issues related to sexual energy and abilities. A particularly lucrative area for monetization lies in understanding the interactions between individuals within a space, as reflected in their body language. This analysis can provide insights into social dynamics, such as dominance, nervousness, and aggression profiles, including triggers for anger—an emotion that can be effectively leveraged in marketing strategies to drive product sales.
The Potential of 5G
The advent of 5G technology presents significant opportunities for collecting and monetizing data through enhanced body position tracking and motion analysis. With the capabilities of 5G, particularly its smaller wave frequencies and advancements in positioning accuracy, the potential for detailed data collection is unprecedented.
Increased Resolution: 5G’s ability to operate at higher frequencies, including potential Terahertz ranges, allows for the detection of minute movements, such as heartbeats. This fine granularity in motion tracking can lead to the collection of a wealth of data regarding body language and physical interactions[24][25].
Precision Positioning: The latest 5G standards, particularly with 3GPP Release 18, aim for sub-meter accuracy in positioning. This level of precision is crucial for applications requiring real-time data, such as health monitoring and personalized services, where understanding body language and movement patterns can provide insights into user behavior and health status[24][26].
Densification and Beamforming: The implementation of small cells and advanced beamforming techniques in 5G enhances signal clarity and reduces interference, enabling more accurate tracking of individuals in various environments. This infrastructure supports the collection of data in densely populated areas and complex indoor settings, further enriching the data pool available for analysis[25][26].
Health Concerns
The health effects of 5G technology have sparked considerable debate, with concerns about oxidative stress, accelerated aging, and potential cancer risks. However, the benefits that 5G offers to consumers, as well as to platforms like Facebook and its advertisers, may outweigh these risks.
Benefits to Consumers and Businesses
- Enhanced Connectivity: 5G technology promises faster data transmission rates and lower latency, which can significantly enhance user experiences across various applications, including healthcare, entertainment, and communication. These improvements can lead to more efficient telemedicine services, real-time health monitoring, and better overall connectivity.
- Advertising Opportunities: For Facebook and its advertisers, the ability to collect and analyze vast amounts of data from users interacting with 5G-enabled devices can lead to more targeted advertising strategies. The increased resolution of body language and movement data allows for a deeper understanding of consumer behavior, potentially resulting in higher conversion rates for advertisements.
- Innovative Applications: The capabilities of 5G can facilitate the development of new applications that leverage real-time data, such as remote surveillance for healthcare, smart home technologies, and enhanced retail analytics. These innovations can create new revenue streams for businesses and improve service delivery to consumers.
The Bottom Line
In the final analysis, money equates to power, and it would be unwise for Facebook not to fully leverage the wealth of data available to it, including the body language of individuals within buildings. By analyzing this data, Facebook can gain insights into user behavior and emotional states, which can be invaluable for targeted advertising and enhancing user engagement. Understanding body language can reveal social dynamics, such as dominance and aggression, which are critical for marketers aiming to tailor their strategies effectively. Ultimately, tapping into this data not only strengthens Facebook’s market position but also maximizes revenue opportunities in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Read More
[1] https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/security/a42575068/scientists-use-wifi-to-see-through-walls/
[2] https://www.vice.com/en/article/y3p7xj/scientists-are-getting-eerily-good-at-using-wifi-to-see-people-through-walls-in-detail
[3] https://news.uchicago.edu/story/how-hackers-could-use-wi-fi-track-you-inside-your-home
[4] https://science.slashdot.org/story/23/01/18/1841207/scientists-are-getting-eerily-good-at-using-wifi-to-see-people-through-walls-in-detail
[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/AR_MR_XR/comments/1096mm0/full_body_tracking_with_wifi_signals_by_utilizing/
[6] https://spectrum.ieee.org/surveillance-concerns-follow-facebooks-densepose-tech
[7] https://arxiv.org/pdf/2110.15267.pdf
[8] https://github.com/facebookresearch/DensePose/security
[9] https://github.com/facebookresearch/DensePose/blob/main/INSTALL.md
[10] https://www.robots.ox.ac.uk/~vedaldi/assets/pubs/shapovalov21densepose.pdf
[11] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Privacy_concerns_with_Facebook
[12] https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/timeline-facebook-s-privacy-issues-its-responses-n859651
[13] https://www.techrepublic.com/article/facebook-data-privacy-scandal-a-cheat-sheet/
[14] https://terranovasecurity.com/blog/data-privacy-scandal-facebook/
[15] https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2019/07/ftc-imposes-5-billion-penalty-sweeping-new-privacy-restrictions-facebook
[16] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9325107/
[17] https://humanfactors.jmir.org/2023/1/e42145/
[18] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10196894/
[19] https://bmcmedethics.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12910-021-00687-3
[20] https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2017/05/03/the-future-of-jobs-and-jobs-training/
[21] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0268401222000767
[22] https://quizlet.com/410715768/hhs-231-exam-flash-cards/
[23] https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstb.2019.0120
[24] https://5ghub.us/precision-and-power-the-evolution-of-5g-nr-positioning-from-release-16-to-18/
[25] https://www.ericsson.com/en/blog/2020/12/5g-positioning–what-you-need-to-know
[26] https://assets.ctfassets.net/wcxs9ap8i19s/6yY9gkoKwGptLX5a8LxSKs/23a9e5214f14057d9976166e74711e0f/WP-The-Impact-of-5G-on-Location-Technologies.pdf
