We often treat our smartphone as an extension of ourselves, using them to record parts of our lives, communicate and seeking connection with others continuously.
There are many ‘radios’ on the phone transmitting signals such as probe requests, scanning for wifi access points to connect to. The unique MAC address of the phone is included in the probe request and is usually randomized as a privacy layer.
Not all devices within the collective digital pulse randomize their MAC address though, and consequentially, some reveal more or less privacy sensitive data such as device owner’s and manufacturer’s name but also give away names of places the owner has visited, such as the home network and other places of interest. Public platforms such as WiGLE map the wireless networks to geographical locations for anyone to view.
The installation unpacks the digital frames, reveals the digital tapestry of extended identities, and probes a literal up to date comment on the idea of what privacy means to you.
