Do people overlook the potential for remote tracking? (independent, companies, compared)

[tablemtn]

By both private and public agencies?

Let me explain - many of the discussions here about tracking and privacy focus on the implantation or placement of fixed-signal devices, such as RFID chips. The main danger to privacy is seen as coming from independent devices which must be somehow placed with the target to be tracked.

But actually, this might be quite inefficient and primitive compared to the tracking technologies of the future, which will rely on remote scanning and "self-reported" bioidentification signatures in order to identify those who are being tracked.

For example, most people seem to have overlooked the entire field of gait analysis, which has become quite advanced in recent years. Basically, you can be identified with great precision almost immediately from a long distance based on how you walk. Many of the technical problems with camera placement and angle have been addressed using correction algorithms, such as the one described in this little-noticed Japanese research paper from 2007:

Gait Identification Using a View Transformation Model in the Frequency Domain - summary

What this means is that a combination of remote scanning technologies - gait analysis, biometrics, even brainwave signature readers - could be tied together into a system which could ascertain your identity automatically and track you automatically. Portable microwave scanners are already capable of telling remotely whether or not you are carrying a firearm or other objects on your person.

This technology would presumably be fielded by private companies as well as state authorities. Over time - but not necessarily that much time - camera sensitivity and computer power would increase, and a single device may be able to identify, scan, and track all of the individuals in a large crowd.

What are the implications for privacy? Far from having to worry about a "Mark of the Beast" implanted on your hand, the biomarkers of your own presence would give you away.

[Memphis1979]

Do you have a cellular phone? It can be tracked, on or off, wherever it is. They are already tracking you. Its not a chip under your skin, but its pretty close. They know your number, they can track it. Even a disposable phone, the only difference then is, they don't know the name on the account.

[tablemtn]

Sure, but you can remove the battery from a cellphone. You can't change your gait without changing your bone structure, which would then become your new gait and make you trackable all over again.

[texdav]

And yet they can't find Ben Laden. That shows too many watch too much science fiction;IMO.