Why is it a problem if my Nike+iPod kit sensor transmits a unique identifier when I walk or run?
The unique identifier can reveal your presence to nearby receivers. Since the unique identifier doesn’t change over time, someone could use the sensor’s broadcast messages to track which locations you visit, and when you visit them. A bad person could use this information to compromise your personal privacy and safety. We describe specific example scenarios, like stalking, in our paper. • Q: Would it be hard to track someone? A: No. It is easy to track someone who has a active Nike+iPod kit sensor in their shoe. We have built several mechanisms for detecting and tracking Nike+iPod shoe sensors. • Windows XP-based surveillance devices: We developed a mechanism for attaching a Nike+iPod receiver to a Windows XP laptop via a USB port. When someone wearing an active Nike+iPod sensor walks near one of our laptops, the laptop’s attached Nike+iPod receiver will detect the sensor’s broadcast messages and will relay information about those messages to the laptop. The laptop will then display th
