Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Have a Wi-Fi-Enabled Phone? Stores Are Tracking You

Posted by Soulskill on from the my-decoy-phone-will-fool-them-all dept.

jfruh writes "Call it Google Analytics for physical storefronts: if you've got a phone with wi-fi, stores can detect your MAC address and track your comings and goings, determining which aisles you go to and whether you're a repeat customer. The creator of one of the most popular tracking software packages says that the addresses are hashed and not personally identifiable, but it might make you think twice about leaving your phone on when you head to the mall."

2 of 323 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Turn off wifi by JustOK · · Score: 4, Funny

    From signature:

    I'm not that concerned with Karma, I post when I think I have something to add

    How does the equivalent of "mod parent up" add to the discussion? The parent is at +5, but I doubt people just blindly follow what some random person says it should be modded to.

    So true. mod this up!

    --
    rewriting history since 2109
  2. Re:Don't use 4G constantly by Jafafa+Hots · · Score: 4, Funny

    Me, I leave my cell phone at home.
    First, I never have a problem with the battery running out during a call...
    Plus I never have calls come in at inconvenient times.
    Also, I don't have to remember to shut it off in movie theaters and doctor's offices.

    These advantages are so great, I'm thinking of inventing a cell phone that can't be taken from your home. Maybe use some kind of tether.

    --
    This space available.