Center for Investigative Reporting

From our homeland security reporter G.W. Schulz.

ageofperil:

We’ve told you before about research underway to “detect intent” at airports, i.e. expose terrorists by measuring various physiological qualities like heart rate, micro-facial expressions, breathing patterns and more.

In related news this week, scientists at the University of Southampton in England say they are, ahem, one step closer to using the way you and I walk as an indicator of terrorist intent.

Up to a dozen cameras help establish a “unique” signature of your walk, and so far, accuracy rates have reached over 90 percent. According to the school, research coordinators “tried to fool the software by swapping clothes, wearing hats and scarves, and even a motorcycle helmet . The technology stood up to all these tests.”

Says Professor Mark Nixon:

“People are unique by quite a variety of different measures, and that rich diversity is fascinating.”

Image: Mike Mertz