Researchers of University of Chicago comes up with Ultrasonic bracelet that jams the microphones
2020-02-17Researchers of University of Chicago have come up with an experimental bracelet that uses ultrasonic broadcasts from 24 speakers to jam most microphones, no matter what direction they are in. The gadget takes advantage of non-linearities in its built-in amplifier to 'leak' ultrasonic noise into the audible range and render recordings useless.
The bracelet has is not for fashion. It not only ensures omnidirectional jamming, it eliminates blind spots (where transducers cancel each other out) through the wrist movement. As a result, it's more effective than dedicated stationary jammers and can even scramble hidden mics.
The scientists told the New York Times that investors have asked about commercializing the technology. It is estimated that this anti-mic bracelet can be built for roughly $20. This could be viable for anyone who fears eavesdropping from voice assistants or spies, especially for people who tend to move from room to room.
There are a number of ethical concerns. If one wears this in public, the person could play havoc with phone calls and other mic-dependent devices. And while this could help keep business meetings secret, it could also help politicians avoid accountability. As useful as the bracelet could be, it could prompt legal issues if it is not used responsibly.
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