Ultrasonic Signals Used for Identifying and Locating Individuals
In the modern world, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. However, it's essential to be aware of the invisible forces that may be tracking us, such as ultrasonic waves. These high-frequency signals, inaudible to human ears, are increasingly being used for covert tracking and profiling. Here's a guide to help you understand and protect yourself against ultrasonic beacon surveillance.
Soundproofing Materials and Environmental Control
Soundproofing materials like thick curtains or acoustic foam can help block or absorb ultrasonic waves in confined spaces. These ultrasonic signals can be found in various sources, such as TV commercials, store audio systems, websites, and music played in public spaces. By reducing or eliminating unknown ultrasonic sources in your vicinity, you can minimise exposure.
Detection and Technical Countermeasures
To identify ultrasonic audio beacons used for covert tracking and profiling, you need specialized audio hardware and software. Using a high-sampling-rate soundcard (at least 96 kHz) paired with audio spectrum analyzer software like SpecLab can reveal ultrasonic signals by visualizing and downconverting them into the audible range for human monitoring.
For protection against ultrasonic beacon tracking, you can employ active ultrasonic jamming devices or ultrasonic noise generators that emit broad ultrasonic signals to mask or overwhelm beacon signals. However, these can also affect legitimate devices relying on ultrasound.
Device and Privacy Hygiene
Limit potential tracking by disabling or restricting microphone access on devices, using soundproofing where feasible, and maintaining awareness of unusual auditory signals picked up by your equipment. Regularly auditing app permissions can help minimise exposure to ultrasonic tracking, especially for apps from less trusted sources.
Avoiding Known Environments
Avoiding environments known for ultrasonic beacon use, such as certain retail spaces or media broadcasts, can reduce exposure to ultrasonic tracking.
Specialized Detectors
The Robinair 16455 TruTrack, Inficon Whisper, and Bacharach Tru Pointe are specialized detectors that can sense high-frequency ultrasonic signals, including those used for tracking purposes.
Regulatory Oversight and Privacy Implications
Greater transparency and regulatory oversight will be critical to address both privacy and health impacts of this subtle but powerful surveillance method. The implications for privacy are profound, as users are typically unaware of being tracked continuously, both online and offline, and this tracking extends beyond a single device.
In summary, detecting ultrasonic beacons in your environment requires specialized audio hardware and software, while protection involves a combination of monitoring, physical barriers, and technical countermeasures to reduce unwanted ultrasonic exposure and data leakage. Combining detection tools, software controls, and behavioural practices offers the best practical defense against ultrasonic beacon surveillance in everyday life.
[1] For more detailed information, refer to SpecLab and their documentation on ultrasonic audio beacon detection.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, understanding and utilizing soundproofing materials like thick curtains or acoustic foam can help minimize exposure to ultrasonic waves, a potential threat to privacy due to covert tracking and profiling.
- In the field of science and technology, employing specialized audio hardware and software, such as high-sampling-rate soundcards and audio spectrum analyzer software like SpecLab, can aid in the detection of ultrasonic signals used for tracking purposes, offering a means to protect individuals against ultrasonic beacon surveillance.
