“Walking Sensor Platforms” “You are a walking sensor platform,” advised Gus

“Walking Sensor Platforms” “You are a walking sensor platform,” advised Gus Hunt, CTO of the CIA, at last week’s GigaOM Structure Data event.  He was referring to the data we generate through our smartphones.  Even when they’re powered off, the network can determine where they are.  And when they’re powered on?  Location, speed of travel, and even some quite complex analysis such as identifying a person by his gait (which reminded me of Marty Feldman asking Gene Wilder to “Walk this Way” from Young Frankenstein).  Usage patterns (data/ SMS/ voice/ apps) can predict quite accurately where you are and what you’re doing. Over time people will need to see value in giving up all this information or a market will arise to mask it.  Similar models in other industries are supermarket loyalty cards and unlisted home phone numbers.   It also opens up new areas of exploration.  For example, much as credit card companies alert potential fraud from unusual charging patters, phone companies could do the same.  They could know instantly if someone other than you is walking around with your phone.  This wouldn’t have to be fraud - it could, for example, switch my phone into “child mode” when it detects that I’ve given it to my son to play Angry Birds.  I can do that now manually by changing some restrictions or iPhone “Guided Access” - a new generation of software-driven devices will be able to make those determinations for themselves. via craigweich -- source link

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